The Chinese classical dance company Shen Yun will be performing three shows at the Benedum Center on April 25 and 26. The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust says:
Capturing the spirit of a culture almost lost, Shen Yun brings us dynasties and legends through uplifting dances and original musical scores. Classical, ethnic and folk dances are accompanied by a live orchestra that combines Western and Eastern instruments. And state-of-the-art digital backdrops transport audiences to a world where good triumphs over evil and Heaven and Earth exist together in harmony.The performance does look impressive, if the website and promotional materials are to be trusted. Tickets range from $54.25 to $154.25.
Shen Yun (meaning the "Beauty of Divine Beings Dancing") is the first international touring group to present classical Chinese dance to the world on a large scale. Each of the four touring companies includes nearly 100 artists and 400 hand-made costumes. The fast-moving show has new programming each year, consisting of twenty or more segments. The performances include dances from different regions and time periods of China, including the present, and several operatic vocal pieces.
Reviews of the show have been mixed, due primarily to the company's religious ties. Wikipedia has a summary of those comments. If Falun Gong plays a part in the performance, it is relatively hidden from the promotional materials.
