'It is Difficult to Believe That in 2008 This is Still Happening'

MONTREAL—As the final 2008 Chinese New Year Spectacular came to a close at Montreal's Place des Arts on Thursday evening, audience members spoke of their impressions of the show, known for its authentic portrayal of Chinese traditional culture.

Accompanied by his two daughters of Chinese origin, 7-year-old Carolanne and 12-year-old Kim, Michel Côté, a dentist, said he was "very impressed by the singers and their powerful voices."

The Saint-Agathe resident was especially touched by a dance about the persecution of the meditation practice, Falun Gong, by the communist regime in China.

"It's difficult to believe that in 2008 this is still happening," he said.

"It was visually very beautiful. It was nice that the scenery was simple, and that the focus was on the costumes and the artists," said Manon Cousineau, a business owner from Lavaltrie.

"I also liked the fact that there were pauses between each piece, and that we were given explanations before we jumped back into each piece."

The Spectacular, which will go on to play five shows at Toronto's Sony Centre from Jan. 18-20, is hosted in English and Chinese, with the addition of French for its Montreal run.

The New York-based Divine Performing Arts Company, which presents the Spectacular shows, says it is reviving the true traditional Chinese culture that disappeard or became mis-represented after communism took hold in China.

For André Yee, Parliamentary Attaché for Marcel Lussier, the deputy Member of Parliament for Brossard-La Prairie, the piece that touched him the most was "the song for freedom of expression."

When asked about Divine Performing Arts' effort to promote Chinese culture without the presence of communist elements, Mr. Yee, who is of Chinese ethnic background and who grew up on Mauritius, said, "this is hoped for in our day and age."

The dance company recently began an ambitious world tour that will visit 60 cities on four continents. Thursday's performance was one of 20 shows in Canada.

Upon returning to Canada in the spring, the Spectacular will play in Calgary, Edmonton and Vancouver. By the end of its tour, it 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.