The Chinese New Year Spectacular has been displaying all its glory in a four-show run at the renowned Place des Arts in Montreal from Jan 15-17.
As it continues its world tour, the Spectacular is impressing audiences everywhere with its large-scale dance routines, combination of Chinese and western orchestral music and colourful state-of-the art digital backdrops.
Jean-Claude Lamarre, a Montreal pharmacist who attended Wednesday's show, said that watching the Spectacular gave him a sense that "something is changing in China, the idea of the people are becoming free. We must truly say what is happening…."
While showcasing myths and legends from the time of China's ancient dynasties, the Spectacular also covers modern times, and includes an act depicting the persecution of Falun Gong, a Chinese spiritual discipline that has been violently repressed in China since 1998.
"I rather liked the piece about the persecution because it speaks about freedom of expression. Despite the fact that the Falun Gong are suffering, there is a door that leads to happiness," said Docia Tibbla, of Ghanaian descent, who works at the municipal court in Montreal.
Tibbla's friend, receptionist Guerda Philistin, was impressed with the scene where two young punks enlighten to Buddhist values after having fallen asleep in an abandoned temple.
"I am a believer and this show touched me. That was good; the message is that you can better yourself," she said.
Since 2004, the Divine Performing Arts, the company that presents the Spectacular shows, has been reclaiming China's ancient culture and traditions by staging the Spectacular in some of the world's most prestigious venues.
Wednesday's performance was one of 20 shows in Canada. After the last show in Montreal tonight, it will play five shows in Toronto before continuing its global tour, which includes an 11-day run at New York's famous Radio City Music Hall.
Upon returning to Canada in the spring, the Spectacular will play in Calgary, Edmonton and Vancouver. By the end of the tour, the show will have played to a total live audience of 650,000 in over 60 cities.
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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