First-Ever Shen Yun Opera: A Song for You
The latest video featured on the Shen Yun Creations streaming library is an all-original opera by Shen Yun vocalists.
A Song for You is the first ever opera from Shen Yun. The story is centered around a family of two brothers and their mother in China, and is based on true events happening today. As such, it concerns so many and so much more.
Almost exactly twenty-two years ago, on July 20, 1999, the lives of 100 million people were turned upside down in an instant. How? The Chinese Communist Party (CCP) declared a ban on the peaceful meditation discipline called Falun Dafa, and overnight, the practice and its followers became targets for ruthless oppression.
Falun Dafa, also known as Falun Gong, is a practice of gentle qigong exercises guided by the principles of truth, compassion, and tolerance. Through this practice, many have recovered from their illnesses, as well as benefited immensely spiritually. During the ’90s, it became the most popular form of qigong meditation in China.
But out of paranoia, the atheist CCP began to see the practice as a threat to ideological control and set out to eliminate it completely, convinced the practice and its adherents would be no match for its power.
In over two decades since, thousands have lost their homes, livelihoods, and even their lives because they refused to renounce their faith. (Due to information blockage, the actual number is unobtainable.)
Every July 20 marks another year that the persecution has gone on.
Yet at the same time, every July 20 also marks another year that Falun Gong practitioners and conscientious people around the world have tried to counter the persecution by speaking out and raising awareness.
In similar fashion, the idea for A Song for You was conceived.
Set in today’s China, A Song for You tells of a close-knit family of three—a mom who practices Falun Gong and her two adult sons. Through the trio’s trials and poignant song, we see that no matter how ruthless the regime they face may be, goodness and faith remain inextinguishable.
This is the first time that Shen Yun’s bel canto soloists have collaborated on such a project. But their debut opera is one that holds deep meaning for every person involved, as many artists and staff at Shen Yun practice Falun Gong and no small number have experienced the persecution in China, either personally or through family or friends.
From their hearts to yours:
Watch: A Song for You
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