TAMPERE, Finland—The Divine Performing Arts Chinese Spectacular premiered at Tampere Hall in Tampere, Finland, to an appreciative audience on Sunday.
In the audience were Leena Lindfors, who owns a printing company and has worked 35 years in the printing business, and Eila Saviaro, a former economic consultant. Both moved to Finland 12 years ago from their native Russia.
The friends were happy to share their impressions of the show during the intermission, especially as they both have some interest in China. Saviaro is planning a trip to China in April, and Lindfors has visited China twice—Beijing and in Xi'an.
Saviaro said that although she has seen the Beijing Opera, she prefers the Chinese Spectacular, adding that she was especially impressed by the piece, "The Risen Lotus Flower."
"I don't know if I can express my thoughts. For instance, in the scene, the dance that showed the beating of a lady—I liked it. In our mind, this scene was not political, but from what I heard, the Chinese embassy in Finland objected to scenes like that."
The Chinese embassy has attempted to interfere with the Spectacular in many cities around the world. The Chinese regime objects to the Spectacular, because a couple of acts convey Falun Gong's peaceful struggle in the face of an illegal persecution orchestrated by the Chinese Communist Party.
Lindfors said that performers should have the freedom to dance without any restrictions.
"I think that dancers should be able to express themselves. It truly is not good to stop someone from dancing. They must have freedom to express themselves. Art is after all art."
Saviaro remarked in that an artist is not involved in politics, but expresses what is happening in a society, and how the environment speaks to their artistic perception.
Both think that China can boast a 5,000-year-old culture, the oldest history in the world, while Finland is a relatively young nation. As a history buff, Saviaro is interested in Chinese history,
"I have learned a lot about Chinese history. I am interested in history. We have such a young history in Finland. Therefore, I travel mostly to find evidence of history."
The friends felt that the performance brought out the culture and history of China, and both loved the costumes. "The costumes are very beautiful."
They debated about the cost of the costumes and wondered if the gold trim was real gold, especially Lindfors who has an eye for textiles, as her mother owned a textile business.
Tampere has strong roots in the textile business and used to be called the "Finish Manchester." Sadly, there are no textile factories left in Tampere.
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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