For the past four years Shen Yun Performing Arts has presented an on stage production focusing on Chinese culture and history. Several residents of West Windsor and Plainsboro have been helping to promote the upcoming presentation at State Theater in New Brunswick. “The group aspires to create original performances that not only entertain, but more deeply educate, enrich, and inspire,” says a press release. “Through classical Chinese dance and music, the company draws its repertory from the pages of history, universal themes, and the world around us.”
There are three performance companies that toured more than 100 cities on five continents last year, each with their own performers, dancers, and musicians. Earlier this year, Shen Yun had a run at New York City’s Lincoln Center. The group will perform at the State Theater in New Brunswick, Friday to Sunday, May 6 to 8.
John Lee of West Windsor first attended the show about three years ago at NJPAC. “I was totally thrilled with the show and I spoke to organizers and offered to help with future shows,” he says. “I really appreciated what I saw — especially the spirituality and the historical cultural parts.”
Born in China, Lee moved to Washington, D.C., as a teenager. He graduated from George Washington University with a degree in business management. He later earned a doctorate in accounting and business. He taught at Lehigh University and now teaches at CUNY: Hunter College.
His wife, Jean, a business analyst, commutes to a large financial company in New York City. Their daughter, Karen, 3, attends pre-school. “We often speak Chinese at home,” says Lee. “We really want Karen to pick up the language. “
The family moved to West Windsor two years ago for the usual reasons — good schools, cultural diversity, and the train. “I enjoy the culture of New York City without the hustle and bustle of the city,” says Lee. “I volunteered to help promote the show,” says Lee, who has been busy with phone calls and E-mails.
“Under its atheist communist regime, China’s soul is being lost,” says Lee. “We hope Shen Yun will re-awaken its soul.”
— Lynn Miller
Shen Yun Performing Arts, State Theater, New Brunswick. Friday, May 6, 8 p.m.; Saturday, May 7, 2 and 8 p.m.; and Sunday, May 8, 2 p.m. $60 to $130. 917-267-9936. bestnjshow.com.
