LINKOPING, SWEDEN—Staffan Danielsson was one of the seven MP's from the Östergötland region in Sweden who protested against China's attempt to try to stop the Chinese Spectacular show in Linköping.
All of the MPs who went to see the performance also wanted to show their commitment to free speech and values of democracy.
After having seen the show, Staffan Danielsson was pleased. "It was a blend of tradition—really interesting, really enjoyable, very skillful."
By watching the performance he understood that China has truly deep traditions, which are suppressed by the communist regime.
"I really support that people uphold cultural traditions, openness and democracy. It is a really good thing that they connect to and present the old traditions. There were also some parts about the persecution of Falun Gong and the reason behind it."
Mr Danielsson felt the show was impressive. "Both the skillful dancers and the huge backdrop—which was visible all the time—were mighty."
Ann-Cathrine Hjerdt, the Mayor of Linköping, had a similar opinion. "It is very impressive, very beautiful dresses. I have never been to China, but you get a feeling of the culture through millenium and centuries. I think it's very wonderful to see."
Staffan Danielsson is an MP in the Defence Department and the Defence Drafting Committee. As an MP he is contacted by many people who want him to bring up certain issues. When it comes to the Chinese Spectacular he wasn't personally contacted or subjected to pressure, but was made aware of the issue from media reports.
"We are aware that the Chinese embassy doesn't like the show and wants to stop it, but that is all I know."
In a letter to the editor, in Linköping's largest newspaper Östgöta Correspondenten, seven MP's—of whom Danielsson was one—invited the Chinese ambassador to watch the show with them. The ambassador never showed up.
"But the good thing is that this has spurred a debate about these issues in our part of the world," says Mr Danielsson.
For information about upcoming Divine Performing Arts shows, please visit:
www.DivinePerformingArts.org.
The Epoch Times is a proud sponsor of the Chinese Spectacular. For our complete coverage please visit:
http://en.epochtimes.com/features/dpa2008/
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