SAN FRANCISCO—The series of lavish shows—the Chinese New Year Spectacular presented by Divine Performing Arts—enchanted audiences for one more night at the San Francisco Orpheum Theatre.
Prominent Australian Human Rights activist Steve Buttel, who just arrived in San Francisco from Asia, attended the show.
"I think that American people should all come to see the Chinese Spectacular ; it's a wonderful display and presents an accurate portrayal of China," said Buttel who lives in Hong Kong and frequently visits China for his work.
Buttel says that he's been involved in work for the organization Human Rights without Frontiers for the last 18 years.
"The costumes and the choreography are very pleasant," Buttel says.
Themes that run through many of the Spectacular's dance and musical pieces include courage, honesty, compassion, faith, and the search for spiritual truth.
My favorite performance was the Manchurian ladies, and the drumming performance was really nice," said Buttel referring to an imperial dance in royal Manchu-style of the Qing dynasty.
Some of the dances, however, depict more contemporary issues such as China's oppression of Falun Gong.
"This is the reality of what people there face," says the human rights advocate. "I've seen it with my own eyes. The persecution is true. It's real."
"Sometimes the truth shocks people, but the truth has to get out and art is a very good medium. Using artistic forms can make people aware of what is happening in China," said Buttel.
The Chinese New Year Spectacular will be in San Francisco for two more performances Jan. 26 at San Francisco's Orpheum Theater (at 2:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m.)
Beginning on Jan. 30, the NTDTV Chinese New Year Splendor will play for 15 shows at Radio City Music Hall in New York City.
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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