SEGERSTROM HALL January 29 – February 1, 2015 Thursday & Friday at 7:30 p.m. Saturday at 2 & 7:30 p.m. Sunday at 12 & 5 p.m. Out of courtesy to the artists and your fellow patrons, please take a moment to turn off and refrain from using cellular phones, pagers, watch alarms and similar devices. The use of any audio or videorecording device or the taking of photographs (with or without flash) is strictly prohibited. Thank you. 1 ABoUT SheN YUN Greetings From Shen Yun It is truly a pleasure to welcome you to Shen Yun. For those who have seen us perform before, we are glad that you are joining us again. If you are here for the first time, you are in for a memorable event. What you are about to see is an entirely new program of dances and music. Months of effort, and of course a little inspiration, are now before you. Our hope is that you will leave the theatre today feeling uplifted and renewed. Shen Yun’s productions draw their inspiration from China’s 5,000 years of civilization. Values such as compassion and loyalty, kindness and bravery lie at the heart of traditional Chinese culture. We believe this rich heritage is a precious gift worth keeping, and worth sharing with all of you. Prepare to enter a magical realm of beauty and purity, a place where the righteous always prevails, and legends come to life… Enjoy the performance! About Shen Yun Performing Arts A GIFT FROM THE DIVINE LAND. China was once known as the Divine Land, its glorious culture said to have been brought down from the heavens. But under the last 60 years of atheist communist rule, this divinely inspired culture has been almost completely destroyed. That is why you cannot see a performance like Shen Yun in China today. NEW BEGINNING. In 2006, leading Chinese artists from around the world came together with a mission to revive authentic Chinese culture. They formed Shen Yun. Independent, nonprofit, and based in New York, Shen Yun can freely present these ancient traditions on stage. The company has drawn world-class dancers and musicians from around the globe. Every year, they create an all-new production and invite you to explore the wonders of this lost world together. Classical Chinese Dance CLASSICAL CHINESE DANCE is one way in which 5,000 years of Chinese culture have been passed down and retained. It is a dance form built on profound traditional aesthetics. In its early days, it was conveyed primarily among the common people, in the imperial courts, and through ancient plays. Over thousands of years, this art was continually organized and refined, with it eventually developing into the vast, systematic, and distinctly Chinese dance form that we know today. Classical Chinese dance has its own set of training methods in basic skills and has strict training in both physical expression and 2 specific postures. It also involves combinations of leaps, turns, flips, spins, and other aerial and tumbling techniques. It is an extensive and independent system of dance Within classical Chinese dance lie China’s rich cultural traditions, which allow its movements to be deeply expressive, such that the personalities and feelings of characters can be portrayed with unparalleled clarity. It is therefore capable of depicting scenes from any time period, whether ancient or modern, Eastern or Western, in a strikingly vivid way. The Perfect Harmony of East and West The Shen Yun Orchestra blends two of the world’s greatest musical traditions, Chinese and Western. Ancient instruments like the two-stringed erhu, the plucked pipa, and a range of Chinese percussion instruments lead the melody on top of a full Western orchestra—strings, woodwinds, and brass—creating a refreshing, new sound. The Shen Yun Orchestra plays all-original compositions. Grounded in ancient Chinese melodies, the orchestra’s music melds distinctive Chinese sound with the precision and power of the Western orchestra. A New Symphony Orchestra Is Born Until recently, Shen Yun’s music was heard only accompanying dance. But in 2012, the Shen Yun Symphony Orchestra, with over 90 musicians, took the stage at Carnegie Hall. The debut’s tremendous success led to U.S. tours in 2013 and 2014. Keep an eye out for it in 2015—it is a musical experience you will not want to miss. The Program FOLLOWING THE CREATOR TO RENEW ALL THINGS CHINESE DANCE STORY CHOREOGRAPHY BY YUNGCHIA CHEN MUSIC BY JING XIAN High up in the heavens, we find ourselves in a sacred, divine realm. Suddenly, a golden chariot appears, signaling the arrival of the Creator. He announces to the deities his intention to descend to the mortal world and establish civilization on Earth. Many divine beings join his mission, reincarnating in the Middle Kingdom as members of China’s splendid Zhou Dynasty. A SONG FROM THE ANCESTORS YUAN LING, SOPRANO TEXT BY D.F. MUSIC BY D.F. There is a song I know A legend from my ancestors The melody is simple, but the message profound It tells of catastrophe in the Final Days And that followers of a Great Way (Dafa) shall save us, even as they’re persecuted The truth will be buried in lies Making the truth difficult to see, and disaster hard to escape But it will still pay to be good To survive, one will have to find the truth This is my ancestral legend And signs of the catastrophe suggest that it’s true For as legend told, followers of Dafa now spread truth to shatter delusion I want to make this legend come true I want to make this song come true SLEEVES OF GRACE CLASSICAL CHINESE DANCE CHOREOGRAPHY BY MICHELLE REN MUSIC BY D.F./ARR. JUNYI TAN An early spring breeze ripples the surface of a lotus pond. Gentle maidens glide with dainty steps, their silken sleeves trailing through the air in ethereal patterns. Dancing with flowing grace, their movements paint a picture of serene delight. CAPTURING ARROWS WITH BOATS OF STRAW CLASSICAL CHINESE DANCE CHOREOGRAPHY BY JINMAN LI MUSIC BY JING XIAN It is the year 208, the end of the Han Dynasty, and three great armies have converged on the banks of the Yangtze River. On one side, stand the Shu and Wu allied forces, totaling 50,000 men. On the other, the Wei forces of 800,000. Just before the epic battle, the allies’ strategist Zhuge Liang suddenly needs 100,000 arrows. He crafts a master plan: under a blanket of fog and a moonless night, he sails toward the other side, loudly beating his battle drums. The Wei troops fire away, and the arrows rain down on the boats. But instead of soldiers, these boats are loaded with straw men, which simply capture the arrows. Having obtained what he came for, Zhuge Liang sails home victorious, his ships laden with arrows “borrowed” from the enemy. Thus ends one chapter in the classic historical novel Romance of the Three Kingdoms. 3 CHOPSTICKS DANCE OF THE MONGOLIAN LADIES ETHNIC DANCE CHOREOGRAPHY BY MICHELLE REN & YUNGCHIA CHEN MUSIC BY JUNYI TAN Where vast, open grasslands meet the canopy of a brilliant blue sky, Mongolian women greet their guests with bowls of milk tea. Arms extend along the horizon like flying falcons, and shoulders shake to a staccato beat. Sequined skirts glitter and beaded hats gleam as dancers click handfuls of chopsticks in an energetic dance of welcome. THE FABLE OF THE MAGIC BRUSH CHINESE DANCE STORY CHOREOGRAPHY BY GU YUAN MUSIC BY JING XIAN In a seaside village, a young painter befriends a mysterious maiden and defends her from a band of ruffians. In gratitude, she gives him a magical brush that turns anything it paints into reality. She then flies away, assuming her true form: a silver dragon. The kindhearted artist paints a granary for the villagers. But suddenly the thugs return, steal his brush, and knock him into the sea. After being rescued and visiting the underwater Dragon King Palace, he returns to his village. There, he discovers the greedy ruffians still struggling with the brush, which will not obey an impure heart. Though they try to force our painter’s hand, the young man has a plan. IN A VILLAGE OF THE HMONG ETHNIC DANCE CHOREOGRAPHY BY YUNGCHIA CHEN MUSIC BY GAO YUAN Bright jingling sounds rise from the flowery fields of southern China, heralding the arrival of a group of young ladies. Clad in long white skirts, they are members of the Hmong ethnicity. Their elaborate silver jewelry accompanies them, swinging and tinkling as the ladies step to cheerful drumbeats. THE POWER OF COMPASSION CHINESE DANCE STORY CHOREOGRAPHY BY YUNGCHIA CHEN MUSIC BY D.F./ARR. JUNYI TAN In a town in contemporary China, people are practicing Falun Dafa. This is the spiritual meditation discipline, also known as Falun Gong, whose practitioners are persecuted in China today. But in the beginning of this story, these are still peaceful days, a time when the practice was a common sight in Chinese parks; even passersby were inspired by its principles of truth, compassion, and tolerance. Persecution suddenly erupts, with Communist Party policemen attacking the meditators. While trying to arrest a young man, a police officer slips and hurts his knee. The young man stops trying to flee and helps the resistant officer. They eventually sit down together to 4 read Zhuan Falun, Falun Dafa’s main text. The police officer comes to regret his actions, as understanding and sincerity pave the way to an unexpected blessing. A LEGEND FROM MY TOWN GUANG LING, SOPRANO TEXT BY D.F. MUSIC BY D.F. There’s a legend from my town: When the yellow flowers bloom, the red flowers shall wilt and fall The Creator will come and save, delivering us back to heaven While deceit and oppression will invite divine wrath How many shall survive the disaster isn’t known It will be holy ones that save us from this calamity While the Red Beast oppresses and harms Attacking with slander and sinister lies Finding the truth will be the key to survival The legend is now coming true Yellow flowers are blooming, while the Red Regime falls The Creator is delivering us back to heaven Delivering us back to heaven COURTYARD ELEGANCE CLASSICAL CHINESE DANCE CHOREOGRAPHY BY GU XUAN MUSIC BY NINGFANG CHEN In the gardens of a grand courtyard, young ladies dance with fans amidst the flowers, their movements delicate, their steps refined. Graceful and feminine, they delight in simple joys that reflect their innocent hearts. SNOW-CAPPED CELEBRATION ETHNIC DANCE CHOREOGRAPHY BY YUNGCHIA CHEN MUSIC BY JING XIAN Atop the Himalayas sits the grand profile of Lhasa’s Potala Palace. Beneath its gaze, Tibetan men joyfully dance to a zestful song. They form a line, admiring the view from the steppes. Together, they jump and leap, twirling their sleeves in celebration. —INTERMISSION— PHOENIXES OF THE SAPPHIRE PARADISE CLASSICAL CHINESE DANCE CHOREOGRAPHY BY MICHELLE REN MUSIC BY D.F./ARR. GAO YUAN Soothing celestial strains resonate through a heavenly cloudscape. Phoenix fairies, dressed in azure skirts and fluttering capes, take flight as eternal sovereigns of a boundless sky. MIGHTY MONK OUTLAW OF MT. LIANG CHINESE DANCE STORY CHOREOGRAPHY BY YUNGCHIA CHEN MUSIC BY HAORAN LI CHINESE DANCE STORY CHOREOGRAPHY BY GU YUAN MUSIC BY D.F./ARR. JUNYI TAN In a faraway monastery, Buddhist monks practice their martial arts skills. One junior monk aspires to match their prowess, but falls woefully short. He decides to ask for help from the statue of a heavenly warrior. In response to his sincerity, the statue comes to life, and grants the young monk both super strength and supernatural power—all from a bowl of magical meat. The classic saga Outlaws of the Marsh tells of 108 figures who end up finding refuge on Mt. Liang. This is the story of one of their heroes, a man named Lin Chong. As the curtain opens, Lin Chong recalls his glory days as a commander of 800,000 imperial guards and remembers his marital bliss. HANDKERCHIEF BLOSSOMS FOLK DANCE CHOREOGRAPHY BY MICHELLE REN MUSIC BY D.F./ARR. JUNYI TAN In the heart of winter, braving snow and ice, a group of young ladies merrily greet the crisp air in this northeastern folk dance. On their fingertips they spin pink handkerchiefs, symbols of plum blossoms and the coming arrival of spring. Lively and bold, the ladies add a spark of vibrancy to a chilly season. As we see his story evolve, the son of a corrupt official tries to seize Lin Chong’s beautiful wife, who gives up her life to escape the lecherous man. An angry, grieving Lin confronts the man, but his nepotistic father imprisons Lin instead. As if that were not enough, the young villain then follows Lin, and bribes the guards to burn him alive. But Lin Chong escapes and finally kills his enemy in self-defense. Realizing he has been left with no choice but to flee, he reaches for his wife’s handkerchief to wipe his spear and write: “Forced onto Mt. Liang.” 5 SCHOLARLY ASPIRATIONS CLASSICAL CHINESE DANCE CHOREOGRAPHY BY MICHELLE REN MUSIC BY D.F. A full moon illuminates the grounds of a Han Dynasty palace. Young Confucian scholars, garbed in rich purple robes, gather to seek inspiration from the heavens. In the quiet evening, they conjure masterful works of prose, their noble bearing evident through their movements. ALL FOR TODAY LU SUN, ERHU ACCOMPANIED BY HUIZHEN CHEN MUSIC BY D.F/ARR. JING XIAN MONKEY KING AND THE SKELETON DEMON CHINESE DANCE STORY CHOREOGRAPHY BY GU YUAN MUSIC BY JING XIAN The classic novel Journey to the West is based on the true story of a Tang Dynasty monk who embarks on a quest for Buddhist scriptures. In the book, he is protected by three disciples: the golden Monkey King, lazy 6 Pigsy, and river ogre Sandy. Their journey is fraught with danger, as demons keep trying to eat the monk, believing his flesh grants immortality. In this story, Skeleton Demon disguises herself by taking on human form—a beauty, an old lady, and an old man. She fools everyone… except the magical Monkey King. He strikes her down each time, although her demon spirit escapes in a waft of smoke. The monk is horrified, thinking his disciple is killing innocent people. He punishes Monkey and banishes him from the journey. With Monkey out of the way, the demon and her minions capture the monk and Sandy. Pigsy narrowly escapes and finds Monkey, begging him to come back and help. The clever Monkey finds a way to sneak into the demons’ lair, hide in a wine goblet, and take on one last battle with the Skeleton Demon. DANCE OF THE LI ETHNIC DANCE CHOREOGRAPHY BY JINMAN LI MUSIC BY JUNYI TAN Along the tropical shores of Hainan Island, ladies of the Li ethnic group gather on the sand. Yellow straw hats in hand, they dance by the waves with easy grace, spinning and swirling to the ocean’s gentle breeze. SPIRIT OF THE YI ETHNIC DANCE CHOREOGRAPHY BY GU XUAN MUSIC BY JUNYI TAN The low, long notes of a shepherd’s horn echo through the rugged mountains of Yunnan province. From within the mist, men of the Yi ethnicity emerge to heed its call. Cloaked in broad tasseled capes, they sweep across the valley like a fleet of clouds as the music swells. Their quick footwork and distinctive wrist movements characterize this ethnic dance. FOR YOU I SING MIN JIANG, SOPRANO TEXT BY D.F. MUSIC BY D.F. Dear friend It is for you I sing My words are sincere Shared from my heart Dafa disciples are divine messengers They spread the truth to save humankind Nero was a devil and a tyrant Today’s Red Beast is no different We mustn’t forget history’s lessons Those who laugh now, regret later Those who understand, take the divine path Dear friend I am singing this for you It is for you This is what you have hoped for THE DIVINE RENAISSANCE BEGINS CHINESE DANCE STORY CHOREOGRAPHY BY MICHELLE REN MUSIC BY D.F./ARR. JUNYI TAN AND JING XIAN Returning to China today, the scene opens with a little girl who sees a group of people meditating. Moved by their serenity, she discovers they are practicing Falun Dafa, and befriends them, despite the disapproval of her police officer father. She joins them in holding a banner: “Falun Dafa is Good.” A group of Communist Party policemen suddenly appear, and with them dark clouds, signaling the onset of nationwide persecution. Amidst the chaos, the girl’s father arrives just in time to see a fellow officer land his daughter a lethal blow. Anguished, he renounces his loyalty to the Party. When all seems lost, and even the earth begins to erupt in fury, Lord Buddha appears, with divine beings trailing in his wake. And, with this heavenly scene, a new era begins. Kelly Wen & Leeshai Lemish, Masters of Ceremonies Program subject to change. 7
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