Professor Allan Ryan has been looking forward to seeing the Chinese New Year Spectacular since last September. After watching the show in Ottawa on Sunday evening, he gave an enthusiastic review of its performers and of the show's fusion of ancient traditions and modern experience.
"I was very impressed with the professionalism of the dancers and the music," he said. "It's been very wonderful."
The show combines stories from the traditional Chinese beliefs of Buddhism and Daoism with themes from the spiritual practice of Falun Gong whose practitioners are being targeted for severe persecution under the communist regime in today's China.
"I very much appreciate how the fusion of the traditions and the contemporary experience are brought together to make some very profound statements in the performance, and I think it works very well," Ryan said.
The Spectacular "shows that traditions are continually evolving, and yet they're rooted in a profound, solid knowledge."
Moreover, "You can entertain people and present very serious issues and substance in a manner that is not offensive to them," Ryan said.
Ryan is an associate professor at Ottawa's Carleton University. From 2001 to 2006 he served as New Sun Chair in Aboriginal Art and Culture and organised the Annual New Sun Conference on Aboriginal Arts. He has also worked as a singer-songwriter and recording artist.
"I'm encouraged by the arts being a method of reaching more and more people," he said. "The fact that this show is sold out tonight, the fact that it's touring internationally, I think it's a very good thing."
The Spectacular also combines Chinese and Western music and instruments.
"The Chinese contribution is a contribution to Western art forms as well, so it's very exciting," added Ryan.
The Epoch Times is a proud sponsor of the Divine Performing Arts shows that will perform in over 60 cities worldwide in 2008. To find a show near you, please visit www.bestchineseshows.com.
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