Shen Yun Performing Arts is a prominent non-profit performing arts and entertainment company based in the United States that has gained international recognition for its elaborate showcases of traditional Chinese dance, music, and culture. Established in 2006, the company has toured extensively around the world, performing in major cities and reaching millions of people. Shen Yun is known for its stunning visuals, featuring intricate costumes and live orchestral music, often advertised as a celebration of China’s 5,000-year-old cultural heritage.
However, beneath the surface of its dazzling performances, Shen Yun faces significant criticism. The entertainment company is run by Falun Gong, a controversial religious movement that opposes the Chinese government. The performances often include messages about the persecution of Falun Gong by the Chinese Communist Party, portraying the government in a negative light. While Shen Yun is advertised as a celebration of Chinese culture, many feel it is a way to promote Falun Gong’s beliefs and anti-communist views. This mix of entertainment with political and religious messages has led to controversy, with some accusing the company of misleading audiences and using the performance as a form of propaganda.
Falun Gong and its agenda
Falun Dafa, also known as Falun Gong, is a spiritual movement that millions of people around the world practice. It it based on Buddhist traditions and consist of two main aspects: self-improvement through studying its teaching and performing slow-moving exercises and meditation.
However, in 1999 the Chinese government labelled Falun Gong an “evil cult” and banned the practice in China after perceiving the movement as a political threat due to its growing popularity. Following the crackdown, many Falun Gong followers left China and moved to other countries, helping the movement grow internationally, especially in the United States. Today, Falun Gong operates various organisations worldwide, including the well-known dance troupe Shen Yun.
The movement is known for its strong opposition to the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) and promotes views that critics have described as ultra-conservative. These include opposition to evolution, homosexuality, feminism, and modern medicine, making Falun Gong a highly controversial group.
Shen Yun’s hidden Message
Though Shen Yun is advertised as a celebration of traditional Chinese culture, many viewers find it carries strong anti-communist and anti-China messages. The show often portrays the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) negatively, focusing on the persecution of Falun Gong followers, with scenes depicting torture, imprisonment, and divine punishment of corrupt officials.
This can be surprising for audiences who expect a cultural performance of music and dance but instead encounter political messages. Critics argue that Shen Yun, while marketed as a cultural showcase, often feels like a platform for Falun Gong’s beliefs and anti-communist views.
Viewers may feel misled because the show is presented as family-friendly and non-political. In 2012, the Chinese embassy even warned Americans about the misleading nature of the advertisements, which make the show appear like a traditional cultural event.
Media and political influence
Shen Yun Performing Arts, though often marketed as a cultural celebration of traditional Chinese arts, has a strong connection to The Epoch Times, a media outlet that is affiliated with the Falun Gong movement. The Epoch Times is known for its outspoken opposition to the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) and its alignment with far-right politics, including support for President Donald Trump. The newspaper has also been criticised for promoting conspiracy theories, such as QAnon and anti-vaccine misinformation. This connection raises concerns, as The Epoch Times often promotes Shen Yun, blending cultural performance with Falun Gong’s political messages.
Founded by Falun Gong practitioners, The Epoch Times has grown internationally, often criticising the Chinese government while promoting Falun Gong’s beliefs. The newspaper has also been linked to far-right views, such as opposing LGBTQ+ rights and supporting conservative ideologies, making it a controversial source of information.
This connection between The Epoch Times and Shen Yun raises concerns, as it blurs the line between entertainment and political messaging. While Shen Yun is advertised as a family-friendly cultural performance, its ties to a far-right media outlet suggest it may carry underlying political messages, particularly promoting anti-communist and Falun Gong views. This could shape how audiences perceive China and its government, influencing opinions based on the movement’s beliefs.
In conclusion, while Shen Yun is advertised as a showcase of traditional Chinese culture, its strong ties to the Falun Gong movement and its political messages can be surprising to many viewers. The show mixes cultural performances with themes of anti-communism and religious beliefs, leading some to feel misled. Its connection to The Epoch Times, a far-right media outlet, raises further concerns about the show’s true agenda. Audiences should be aware of these connections, as they can influence how they view China, and its government based on Falun Gong’s beliefs.
