MUNICH,Germany—Divine Performing Arts concluded its European tour in Munich's Prince Regent Theater. The performing company began its tour in Duisburg, Germany and visited 18 venues throughout Europe.
At the Munich performance, The Epoch Times spoke with Dr. Axel Berg, Member of the German Bundestag and assistant Speaker of the Social Democratic Party of Germany (SPD) for energy policy.
Berg said the show was "beautiful, colorful, the music...very Chinese, a great thing. The very best, of course, by far were the drummers, that was the time when I truly went along with the music. Also the beautiful movements and the good choreography. I think there is a lot of work behind all of that. The uniformity of the dancers is really brilliant, and of a high standard."
When asked about the extent of his knowledge of Chinese classical dance and culture, Berg said, "Oh yes, a little. Culture is at least as important as eating and drinking. Saying that, my approach is already positive and then I have seen the Beijing opera in China. But of course, I still like the imported Chinese culture best, at the Chinese cathedral here in Munich, where they built a beer garden around it."
He commented on the traditional themes working with modern technology and stage design. "I find it very good, I find it is really successfully done and outstanding, because that also corresponds in terms of colors and because it portrayed a totally different stage experience for the audience."
Berg noted that stage decorations can be a little tiring with a rigid picture in the background. "But here everything is moving. For instance, the mermaids—The ocean behind them was calm, but nonetheless the ocean moved quite easily. One does not see a stormy ocean, no waves, no moving ocean, one sees it totally calm and nonetheless moving waves within it. All together with the dancers, this resulted in an enormous impression." Berg experienced Chinese culture through his political career and in professional events. He has dedicated this part of his life to politics but intends to work in theater later and so wanted to see this performance. "Also, today I have come here to this performance because I want to express my support for Falun Gong, for culture, the democracy movement and for free thinking and free culture in China." He then joked, "And now I will say with a wink, if one can get good culture for political deeds, then that is a perfect job."
Although he was not aware of the interference by the Chinese Consulate in Munich, Berg said, "No, but I am not surprised. Two months ago, I was in China with the Minister of Environment, Sigmar Gabriel, and we were in a manner of speaking the ice breakers after the visit of the Dalai Lama. Berg had an extended discussion with Chinese scientists on his last visit to China. "While there, we were able to get to know a lot. I have also talked about Falun Gong during my last visit in China, both to a member of the politburo as well as to scientists at a meeting for scientists resulting both times in a deafening silence on their part.
"Then I have tried to be ironic and said that I, as a person from Munich, am happy about the effective Falun Gong community in my home. They are all clever, well-educated people who increase our German gross national product and pay a pile of taxes. I find it great if they stay. But nevertheless, they [those present at the meeting] were hopping mad the entire time and offended. They said that young leaders of Al Qaida are also educated and friendly. I think that this was a bit much to compare Falun Gong with Al Qaida, actually jaw-dropping." "One must continue to address it and try to promote understanding on both sides. The Chinese also have signed the Bill of Human Rights, the human rights declaration, and they should also stick to it."
Berg did not think the human rights situation in China has changed significantly. "From what one hears, it seems that it is totally the opposite. They offend against human rights more and more and it's becoming worse. I can imagine that the awareness for human rights at this time is already growing. That, of course, does not help those who are detained in prison or being tortured, but despite that it gives us as a society a little hope."
After seeing it for himself, Berg enthusiastically recommends the show. "It is a big enjoyment, a fun-filled evening. One also starts to contemplate that there is nothing more perfect than this."
Berg says the show has many levels. "The art forces you to think in another sphere, in another dimension. You must let yourself fall into this culture, if you want to be an active spectator and not only let it splatter in. In that moment, when you go onto the stage with your thoughts, you will naturally be also a part of the whole and that is a very beautiful experience."
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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