BERLIN——"China remains China, but there are things we have in common, such as Truth and Compassion – it is what unites all of us," said political scientist Dr. Werner Pfennig after the third performance of Shen Yun Chinese Spectacular in Berlin Saturday, March 15.
Dr. Pfennig really liked the cooperation of the group. "On the one hand someone played the Erhu and then a larger group came on stage, but they were never really separated or isolated. Although the music sounded distinctly Chinese, there was also something alluring for Western ears, such as many Western instruments and the piano accompaniment. It was just the right mixture."
He was especially touched by "Xiao Mei Mei," the little dancer.
The retired political scientist has been specializing in Asia and China for 40 years with special emphasis on the separation and reunification of two countries.
He believes that it is possible to learn about a country only if one studies its history, culture and traditions. He thinks it is especially difficult to study China because the Chinese tend to be stubborn and simply say "you just don't understand us" but they really mean "you don't want to understand us."
"Every country has its own national differences and peculiarities but in spite of all the differences, people still want to be happy and live in peace."
The Chinese leadership still has difficulty understanding that they "should be more open, collaborate with other nations; it doesn't mean that someone is anti-Chinese if he or she offers a criticism."
At the same time, he hopes that the Chinese leadership will be smart enough to learn about these things.
The show has performances which address the persecution of Falun Gong. When asked whether he was in favor of the arts addressing reality, Mr. Pfennig said: "The arts are always political, sometimes more and sometimes less so."
As an example, he offers Beethoven's 'Ode to Joy', "It also contains a political message."
He said the messages in the Chinese Spectacular are acceptable, important and interesting.
The dances taught him that the individual counts, "They have to be brave. However, success can only come, when many come together and courageously cooperate."
In his view, the beautiful message of the evening was the values of "truth, solidarity and peacefulness."
For information about upcoming Divine Performing Arts shows, please visit: www.DivinePerformingArts.org.
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