CANBERRA, Australia—Australia's capital city, Canberra, welcomed the Chinese Spectacular with open arms when the show opened to a packed house at the Canberra Theatre April 11.
Speaking at the VIP function before hand Australian Capital Territory Liberal MLA Bill Stefaniak, welcomed the show saying he had been fascinated by Chinese culture since he was a young boy and enjoyed the show last year when it came to Canberra.
"If its anything like last year's it will be magnificent," he told the gathering of diplomats, local politicians and celebrities.
Taiwan Ambassador, Gary Song Huann-Linn said he was there to support the show for two reasons, the first being art and culture and the second for freedom democracy and human rights.
"Art and culture are enduring and will traverse all national borders'" he said.
Lachlan Kennedy, spokesman for sponsors Southern Cross Ten television, said "it was fantastic" that a show that has 220 shows in over 65 cities across the globe was coming to Canberra.
Graham Cron, the general manager for local radio station 2CA said they were "honoured" to be a sponsor of a show that was restoring cultural traditions that could have been lost. "We wish you well," he said.
The audience at the theatre carried the same message, responding long and loudly to each of the performances. Many of the audience members said after the show that they had got a message and emphasised that they were supportive of Divine Performing Arts and its mission to preserve Chinese culture through the arts.
Bill Stefaniak said "it was well and truly Spectacular". Sam Salvaneschi said she had enjoyed it immensely saying "These are serious people they know what they are doing," in reference to the first scene of the night, 'Descent of the Celestial Kings'.
Nathan Spinaze who works with the Department of Defence, said he had enjoyed it very much "especially the articulation of Chinese culture and being able to translate that into the Australian vernacular".
Nathan's wife Ruth said "I think the best thing for me was the beauty, feasting the eyes on the beauty, so refreshing to the soul."
For information about upcoming Divine Performing Arts shows, please visit:
www.bestchineseshows.com
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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