#Shen Yun Orchestra

[nevzatboyraz44]

Known for their beautiful clothing and buoyant dance style, the Yi ethnic group employs a wide range of instruments in their music.

This musical tradition is showcased in this piece, with vibrant tunes played by the pipa supported by a series of pizzicato notes from the strings.

[pixie-mask]

I blindly clicked 10-20 but I realize now that I've seen quite a few

Beetlejuice the Musical

A Christmas Story

Beauty and the Beast

Blackbeard the Musical

Hamilton

Cats (x2)

Shen Yun Performing Arts

Kingdom Hearts Orchestra

Phantom of the Opera

Lion King

Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street

Seven Brides for Seven Brothers

Annie Get Your Gun

The Foreigner

Guys and Dolls

Drumline Live!

And I'm pretty sure of some other ones

*by live theatre i mean plays, musicals, operas, ballets, concert versions of musicals, staged readings, & things of that nature.

if you want, list the names of the shows you've seen in the tags!

[gettothestabbing]

The authors, New York Times reporters Nicole Hong and Michael Rothfeld, ignored large amounts of information that contradicted the core claims of their article, and instead seemed to paint a picture based on a predetermined narrative. The article relied heavily on interviews with a small group of disgruntled former performers to misrepresent the art group’s policies, the physical demands associated with professional dance, and the religious beliefs of the founders of the company. The Epoch Times learned that several former performers contacted by the New York Times were asked questions specifically about dance injuries or other topics in a way that appeared designed to elicit negative comments about Shen Yun. The Epoch Times also reviewed three responses written to the New York Times reporters in which ex-performers pushed back against the reporters’ approach to the story. The authors almost entirely excluded those responses, leaving in the 5,000-word article only one short comment from a former dancer praising Shen Yun. Representatives from Shen Yun say the claims published by The New York Times came from a small group of former performers, some of whom were let go for breaking rules or failing to clear the bar artistically. Shen Yun was founded in the United States by followers of the spiritual practice Falun Gong in 2006 to revive traditional Chinese culture untainted by communist influence. The company now has eight touring groups, composed of dancers, singers, and a full orchestra, that perform around the world for a live audience of about a million people per year. The nonprofit performing arts company is headquartered at a picturesque campus in upstate New York that also includes two religiously affiliated arts schools, Fei Tian Academy of the Arts and Fei Tian College. As The Epoch Times has previously reported, Shen Yun faces relentless interference and sabotage attempts by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), which sees Shen Yun as a major threat to the Party’s ideological control. The CCP is well-known for its efforts to spread disinformation in Western society through proxies, including foreign media and social media influencers. Information recently leaked by Party insiders shows a renewed push in this regard, including specific instructions to support a Chinese YouTuber known for making threats toward Shen Yun and was flagged by the FBI as “potentially armed and dangerous” after he was spotted near the Shen Yun campus. After The New York Times published its article, the YouTuber thanked the reporters for their “hard work” on social media and boasted that he had introduced them to former Shen Yun performers with grievances.

[rjhamster]

Congressional Hearing Sounds the Alarm on Chinese Communist Influence in K-12 Classrooms

Looking for your E-paper? Click here. Music from 5,000 Years of Civilization – Shen Yun Symphony Orchestra is coming to Lincoln Center on Oct 22 September 22, 2023 WORDS OF WISDOM “Fight for the things that you care about, but do it in a way that will lead others to join you.” RUTH BADER GINSBURG TOP NEWS Education & Family News Congressional Hearing Sounds the Alarm on Chinese Communist…

[planetquest]

why are tbz touring at the fucking nj pac uandbenabdndfknf

[another-art-studentt]

Feb. 6, 2021

I went awol for a few days (T_T). Had a nice practice session today and finished a group homework. Indulged myself with my bed and a tv show for the weekend...

Day 4: What would you describe your study method as?

In short, identify what to practice, practice in small and large chunks, the mouthpiece is my friend, test myself, and practice more.

Day 5: What's the most recent thing you've dreamt?

Busy with something (can't remember) in a big and fancy house that was probably my home in the dream.

Day 6: What are your current top 5 songs?

According to Spotify stats: 1) Victory Quest by John Powell, 2) Han Xin by Wen You and Hu Xia, 3) Rough Justice by Klaus Badelt, 4) Green Mountain (Live) by Shen Yun Symphony Orchestra, 5) Danse Macabre - Poeme Symphonique, Op.40 Camille by Saint-Saëns, Joshua Pierce, Dorothy Jonas

[londontheatresuk-blog]

The world's most popular all new show with live orchestra return onto the world stage this year.Compare and get your Shen Yun tickets today! More details at Shen Yun - LondonTheatres.com

[retegenova]

Shen Yun – 22-23 gennaio 2020

Shen Yun – 22-23 gennaio 2020

Teatro Carlo Felice: Shen Yun – 22-23 gennaio 2020

Shen Yun Produzione 2020 della Shen Yun Performing Arts

Orchestra di Shen Yun

                L’eccezionale visione artistica di Shen Yun trasforma l’esperienza teatrale in un viaggio multidimensionale ed emozionante attraverso uno dei più grandi tesori dell’umanità: i cinque millenni della cultura tradizionale cinese.

Questo grandioso…

[aurumacadicus]

I looked up tickets for the Nutcracker in San Antonio and I found tickets in the BEST seating (Central Orchestra) for $212 each and my mom has taken my brother, sister, and I to a ballet/on ice performance/orchestral show for a Christmas present since 2014. I showed it to her and she looked interested. (Probably because I’ve been asking to go see it since I was 5) One of the first ones we went to was a Shen Yun performance. It was amazing!!

What a nice present!

[sn-noir]

(via https://open.spotify.com/track/5yAl71Kbm2qXR1DsdPbvCj?si=HqgfDjI7QK6I2bsSrmcvIQ)

[satellitedolphin]

Virtuoso Violinist Fiona Zheng Triumphs Over Tragedy

One of the most talented violinists in the world, Fiona Zheng grew up under persecution by the communist government in China before joining Shen Yun Performing Arts, in New York. At the age of just twelve, police stormed into her home and ransacked it because of her family's peaceful spiritual belief in Falun Dafa. Her mother died not long after. Zheng has turned her personal tragedy into inspiration for musical triumph. She brings her powerful and uplifting performances of the most difficult violin pieces in history to audiences around the world. See her perform during Shen Yun Symphony Orchestra's 2017 world tour. 

http://www.shenyun.com/symphony/new-york/carnegie-hall

[gavlickgroup]

Here’s What’s Happening in Tucson This Weekend!

Fri 2/21 - Sun 2/23

Happy Friday Everyone!

Get ready for some rain and cooler temps! At least it should clear up by Sunday so the Rodeo can go on, and the golf tournament at Omni. It's always nice to see a little rain in Tucson!Whatever your plans are this weekend, enjoy! As always, please let us know if we can be of help to you or someone you know. Warm Regards...Ann, Ron, and Corilynn

Tonight is the 4th Rodeo performance, tomorrow the 5th, and Sunday is the big Rodeo Final. Food, beer, and barn dances too!

She's penned more than 40 books on the subject of sex! But her life story of fleeing from Nazi Germany as a child, fighting as a solder with the Israel Defense Forces, and becoming an international celebrity is the stuff of legend. See 'Becoming Dr. Ruth', a one women play at Invisible Theatre through this weekend!

Horse lovers may find themselves at The Sahuaro Classic horse show this weekend. Running through Sunday at Pima Country Fairgrounds.

Tonight at Desert Diamond catch country music superstar Charlie Pride. Over 50 top-10 hits, a member of the Grand Ole Opry, and member of the Country Music Hall of Fame. If you like country music, you probably won't find anyone better!

Your Tucson Roadrunners Hockey Team plays at TCC tonight and tomorrow night against The Stockton Heat. Puck drops at 7:00 PM.

True Concord Voices and Orchestra present Beethoven & Goethe in honor of Beethoven's birth 250 years ago. Performance in Green Valley and at Catalina Foothills HS this weekend. 

The Annual Apex Short Film and Music Video Festival takes place tomorrow at The Screening Room. You can't find more entertainment for $8.00 anywhere.

Shen Yun tours the world over each year. Chinese cultural of the past 5000 years is transformed into this showcase bringing back the magnificence of five thousand years of civilization to life on stage. Tomorrow and Sunday at Tucson Music Hall.

The Cologuard Classic takes place all weekend at Omni Tucson National Resort. Started in 1945 this championship has thrilled spectators and raised millions of dollars for local children's charities.

[laughtrout72-blog]

Weekend Picks: Last Chance For Winter At Dilworth Park, Cinderella On Stage, NHL Stadium Series And More

It’s another can’t-miss weekend in Philadelphia full of great events, including the end of winter — sort of.

The winter attractions next to City Hall — collectively known as Winter at Dilworth Park — wrap up for the season on Sunday. Don’t miss one last chance to embrace the season at the ice rink, cabin and Wintergarden.

Speaking of wintry things, the Coors Light NHL Stadium Series welcomes the “Battle for Pennsylvania” on Saturday for a very special game outdoors at Lincoln Financial Field as the Philadelphia Flyers try to defeat the intrastate rival Pittsburgh Penguins.

On the arts scene, Broadway Philadelphia puts a modern twist on Cinderella at the Academy of Music, local acts celebrate the 20th anniversary of the iconic Things Fall Apart album by The Roots at World Cafe Live, the Barnes Foundation opens an exhibit of early photography and The African American Museum in Philadelphia closes its exhibition about cotton and slavery.

Select concerts this weekend — including James Blake, Flogging Molly and Scott Bradlee’s Modern Jukebox — are part of the Visit Philly Live Nation Hotel Package, a stellar hotel package that includes up to $230 in show-enhancing perks, including free hotel and concert parking, complimentary food and drinks during the show and other bonuses.

And lastly, don’t miss a chance to turn a fun weekend into a sleepover. Book the Visit Philly Overnight Hotel Package for a winter weekend getaway featuring up to $218 in free perks.

Follow Uwishunu on Twitter and Instagram for updates throughout the weekend.

Read on for our guide to this weekend in Philadelphia.

Attractions | Center City

Last Chance: Winter at Dilworth Park

It's the final weekend for this popular winter destination near City Hall, where visitors can ice skate, warm up in the cabin and stroll through the wintergarden...

Attractions | Avenue of the Arts

Swing @ the Kimmel at the Kimmel Center

The interactive (and free!) virtual-reality swing temporarily installed inside the Kimmel Center sparks nostalgia for childhood and playground memories...

Opening: Into the Mural at Meg Saligman Studio

Visitors get a closer look at mural making in this self-guided immersive experience that includes a scavenger hunt and hands-on adventures...

Visit Philly Overnight Hotel Package Winter Getaway

Book a Philly getaway for stays this winter and get up to $218 in free perks, including free hotel parking...

Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest

Skate on the Olympic-sized ice rink, warm up in the cozy lodge, enjoy boardwalk eats and play arcade games at this open-all-winter waterfront attraction...

Orchid Extravaganza at Longwood Gardens

Delicate orchids drape windows, spill from planters and float overhead in this stunning display, on view all winter...

Black History Month in Philadelphia

This weekend's celebrations include a Stevie Wonder and Smokey Robinson tribute (Friday), an Underground Railroad discussion (Saturday) and a focus on enslaved cooks' influence on food (Sunday)...

Philadelphia Fishing Show at the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center

Catch a fish in the trout pond, check out the latest rod and reed designs and stop by seminars about specific species of fish...

Live Music, Comedy, Theater and Dance

Theater | Avenue of the Arts

Rodgers + Hammerstein's Cinderella at the Academy of Music

This weekend only, enjoy Broadway Philadelphia's modern take on this classic fairy tale, complete with elaborate costumes and sets...

74 Seconds...to Judgment at the Arden Theatre Company

Philly playwright and director Kash Goins (Creed, Split) wrote and stars in this story of six deadlocked jurors struggling to define "justifiable homicide"...

Shen Yun at the Kimmel Center

Classical Chinese dance and live orchestra music bring 5,000 years of ancient performance traditions to life on stage...

Last Chance: Broads at Plays & Players Theatre

Comedy theater company 1812 Productions honors the funniest females of the '40s, '50s and '60s in this three-person revue that ends Sunday...

Renaissance in the Belly of a Killer Whale at Theatre Horizon

Three women tell the story of gentrification in Harlem in this funny and emotional one-weekend-only show...

Ongoing Exhibitions

Last Chance: Cotton at The African American Museum in Philadelphia

Philadelphia artist John E. Dowell explores the relationship between cotton and slavery through photographs and installations in this exhibit closing Sunday...

Exhibitions | Center City

#TrackTakeover at Walnut-Locust Station

Works by local artists replace 110 ad spots in the subway at SEPTA's Walnut-Locust Station in this installment meant to spark civic and public art awareness...

Fabulous Fashion: From Dior's New Look to Now at the Philadelphia Museum of Art

Museum exhibit meets runway fashion in an exploration of color, materials and evolving trends that includes pieces from iconic designers from around the world...

America to Zanzibar: Muslim Cultures Near and Far at the Please Touch Museum

Kids and their caregivers can see mosques, explore global markets and learn about local and global Muslim traditions at this hands-on exhibit...

More Must-See Exhibitions in Philadelphia

Philadelphia's museums and galleries showcase can't-miss art and objects from around the globe and around the city...

Rodgers and Hammerstein's Cinderella is on stage at the Academy of Music for five performances this weekend. (Rodgers and Hammerstein's Cinderella | Photo by Carol Rosegg)

Final Fridays: Celestial Bodies at the Philadelphia Museum of Art

An evening dedicated to the cosmos includes ink painting lessons, dance performances and a tour of the museum's recently reopened Chinese Galleries...

Events | Northern Liberties

The Spruce Foundation's Cabaret: Snowball Revue at the Ruba Club

Philly burlesque performers Honeytree Evileye, Kyla Ren and more perform, and New Liberty Distillery provides signature cocktails at this LGBTQIA* fundraiser...

Live Music, Comedy, Theater and Dance

James Blake at The Fillmore Philly

The soulful singer is touring behind his first album in almost three years, Assume Form, at this show that's also part of the Visit Philly Live Nation Hotel Package...

An Evening of Stand Up Comedy: Seth Meyers at Keswick Theatre

The Emmy Award-winning Late Night with Seth Meyers host and Saturday Night Live alum performs two shows in Montgomery County ...

The Philadelphia Flyers take on the Pittsburgh Penguins in the outdoor Coors Light NHL Stadium Series at Lincoln Financial Field on Saturday. (Photo courtesy Philadelphia Flyers)

Sports | South Philadelphia

2019 Coors Light NHL Stadium Series at Lincoln Financial Field

The Philadelphia Flyers face the Pittsburgh Penguins in round two of this Pennsylvania hockey battle, which takes place at the home of the Philadelphia Eagles...

Food and Drink | University City

15th Annual Beer Fest at World Cafe Live

More than 30 brewers, including many local independent makers, share three-ounce samples of their beers with a backdrop of live entertainment, prizes and giveaways...

Opening: Ancient Egypt at the Penn Museum

A special exhibit and the reopening of the Artifacts Lab offer a behind-the-scenes glimpse of objects in the under-renovation Lower Egypt Gallery...

Kennett Winterfest in Kennett Square

Bundle up for this seventh annual beer, food and music festival, featuring pours from 60 breweries and tunes from Chester County-based band AfroBear...

Bouts on Broad at The Met Philadelphia

Boxing returns to North Philadelphia inside the newly renovated historic opera house with fighters Gadwin Rosa, Branden Pizarro, Malik Hawkins, Jeremy Cuevas and Samuel Teah on the bill...

Live Music, Comedy, Theater and Dance

Things Fall Apart: 20 Year Celebration at World Cafe Live

Chill Moody, Zeek Burse and more local acts celebrate the 20th anniversary of the release of the iconic Things Fall Apart album from The Roots...

Theater | Avenue of the Arts

The Life and Legacy of Marian Anderson at the Kimmel Center

The world premiere of the film about Anderson's life showcases the songstress' Philadelphia roots and her role in breaking down racial barriers...

Flogging Molly at The Fillmore Philadelphia

The punk rock group with Irish influences is on tour behind its new album due in June at this show that's also part of the Visit Philly Live Nation Hotel Package...

Silent Disco at XFINITY Live!

Experience an immersive kind of concert in a noiseless space where everyone rocking out can only hear the music in their headphones...

See the new photography exhibit, From Today, Painting is Dead, opening Sunday at the Barnes Foundation. (Photo courtesy Barnes Foundation)

Exhibitions | Logan Square

Opening: From Today, Painting is Dead at the Barnes Foundation

A new look at old photography explores the beginning of the art form through nearly 250 never-before-seen photos taken between the 1840s and 1880s...

Food and Drink | Chestnut Hill

Chestnut Hill Restaurant Week

A dozen restaurants offer fixed-price dinners between $30 and $64, plus BYOB options and free parking after 6 p.m....

Oscars Party & Screening at the Philadelphia Film Center

Movie lovers dress up and spend Hollywood's biggest night in Philly with food, drinks, a silent auction and the Academy Awards playing on the big screen...

Live Music, Comedy, Theater and Dance

Music | South Philadelphia

Michael Bublé at the Wells Fargo Center

The crooner is on tour fresh off the release of his 10th studio album, Love, and ready to perform top hits like Everything and Haven't Met You Yet...

Music | North Philadelphia

Philadelphia Orchestra Free Concert at Teatro Esperanza

The Philadelphia Orchestra continues efforts to bring its music to nontraditional venues with a free (registration encouraged) afternoon performance...

Scott Bradlee's Postmodern Jukebox at The Met Philadelphia

The group's Welcome to the Twenties 2.0 Tour adds 1920s jazz influences to current pop hits to help prepare the audience for the 2020s at this show that's also part of the Visit Philly Live Nation Hotel Package...

Source: https://www.uwishunu.com/2019/02/things-to-do-in-philadelphia-this-weekend-february-22-24-2019/

[botherkupo]

Tumblr people are so dumb sometimes. Get your facts straight before you jump on “boo, hiss, religions are all cults” bandwagons.

I’ve seen Shen Yun, I know someone who is part of the orchestra in Shen Yun. They’re legit and are just trying to spread awareness. And I watched their performance and cried because it was so moving.

Bloody hell.

[whittlebaggett8]

Shen Yun posters are everywhere — here’s everything you need to know about the mysterious show and the ‘cult’ behind it, Defence Online

caption

A Shen Yun performance highlighted in the company’s latest trailer.

source

Shen Yun/YouTube

Posters for Shen Yun are so ubiquitous that they’ve become a meme. But what is it, anyway?

The show, organized by Chinese religious minority Falun Gong which is opposed to the Chinese government, carries a strong political message.

It’s shockingly profitable, according to public financial filings. The Shen Yun organization made $22.5 million in 2016.

Falun Gong is controversial for its bigoted beliefs, and is also harshly persecuted within China.

Shen Yun is a way Falun Gong communicates the story of its persecution.

Visit INSIDER’s homepage for more.

If you’ve walked around in literally any city lately, you’ve probably seen a poster for Shen Yun.

The cryptic advertisements usually feature a woman serenely gliding through the air in front of a lavender background. They bear the enigmatic slogan “5,000 years of civilization reborn.” It seems to be an ad for a dance performance.

But Shen Yun, as it turns out, isn’t just a dance show. It’s also part of an elaborate messaging strategy for Falun Gong – also known as Falun Dafa – a Chinese religious and political group persecuted within China that opposes the country’s ruling party.

So how, exactly, did a dissident Chinese political-and-religious organization start a dance show that became a meme and marketing juggernaut in the US? And what does any of this have to do with harvesting organs?

Well, we’ll explain.

OK, so what exactly is Shen Yun?

According to people who’ve seen the show, it’s a series of colorful dance vignettes, each one presenting a historical anecdote or ideological belief from Falun Gong.

The New Yorker’s Jia Tolentino describes it as “religious-political propaganda … an extremely elaborate commercial for Falun Dafa’s spiritual teachings and its plight vis-à-vis the Chinese Communist regime.”

caption

The show promises “5,000 years of civilization.”

source

Shen Yun/YouTube

There are a few different troupes that tour the world. Dancers are trained at the Fei Tan Academy of the Arts, which is part of a 427-acre refuge for Falun Gong adherents in upstate New York. Profits from Shen Yun shows go towards maintaining the academy. The dance companies also, unusually, have a mixture of paid and unpaid performers, according to Hazlitt.

Shen Yun has a wide reach. It’s playing in 94 different American cities this year, and has dozens of other shows in Canada, Mexico, Asia, Australia, and New Zealand – but not, as you can imagine, China.

So it’s basically propaganda?

Well, it depends who you ask. But yes, the show definitely has a specific ideological bent. The purpose of Shen Yun is to demonstrate the evils of China’s communist party and its beliefs. The show is fervently anti-atheist, anti-evolution, anti-Mao Zedong, and anti-Karl Marx.

Shen Yun also highlights specific examples of China’s communist party persecuting Falun Gong. The show includes a “dance with the organ harvesting,” according to the New Yorker. We’ll explain the organ harvesting thing in a bit.

How do they afford all those posters?

Since Shen Yun is an arm of Falun Gong, it relies on Falun Gong members to help spread the word. Those Shen Yun posters everywhere? The ubiquity is the result of hardworking volunteers on the ground, distributing flyers and arranging the shows with venues in exchange for just a couple of tickets to the show.

Aside from that, the show actually has enormous demand. The ticket prices vary by city and venue, but they can go into the hundreds of dollars. Wen Chen, a Falun Gong organizer in California, told the Los Angeles Times he gave away his own tickets to a show in Los Angeles when the waitlist was more than 100 people long.

source

Shen Yun/YouTube

The money made from shows, according to the Los Angeles Times, goes back to the Fei Tian Academy of the Arts, which can then train more Shen Yun players. The organization has its own budget, which is publicly published, and appears to be financially independent from the rest of Falun Gong.

It’s quite profitable: Shen Yun made $22.5 million in revenue in 2016, the latest year where public filings are available, and spent only $7.3 million in expenses. The Shen Yun organization had more than $75 million in total assets, according to the filing.

source

Shen Yun/YouTube

But because Shen Yun is part of Falun Gong, the advertising isn’t just about selling tickets, and the show isn’t just about making money. As Business Journal pointed out, the show also functionally spreads the word of Falun Gong, and offers a view of China that differs from the Communist party line. The marketing helps makes what would otherwise be a fringe event – a politically infused dance show – into a legitimate and significant cultural force.

Uh, OK. So is the show any good?

Most people think the dancer’s acrobatic performances are pretty cool, even if the show’s messages are confusing.

On Yelp, the reviews are mixed. A lot of people express feeling cheated for not realizing that the show promotes Falun Gong.

caption

Shen Yun dancers rehearsing for a 2016 performance in Long Beach, California.

source

Scott Varley/Digital First Media/Torrance Daily Breeze via Getty Images

“Some of the dancing was pretty, an occasional skit was amusing, one of the musical numbers with the Chinese two-stringed instrument was very nice, but mostly it was repetitive and schlocky,” Ruth N. wrote about a performance in San Francisco. “AND, definitely filled with proselytizing of the very bizarre Falun Gong cult.”

Others were impressed by the athleticism, costume design, and storytelling, including Cate Blanchett. The actress said the show was “an extraordinary experience for us and the children” and that “the level of skill, but also the power of the archetypes and the narratives were startling.”

In fact, Shen Yun’s advertising campaign is a long list of apparent endorsements from celebrities and politicians They’re touted on its website and included in a lot of ad campaigns. Even presidential candidate Sen. Amy Klobuchar put out a statement supporting the show.

caption

The dance troupe performs along a 40-member orchestra.

source

Scott Varley/Digital First Media/Torrance Daily Breeze via Getty Images

But it’s not clear how these statements were obtained and why they’ve been issued. Klobuchar’s team told the Star Tribune in 2015 that her statement was meant to be categorized as a “diplomatic gesture” in support of an international cultural group.

A representative for Blanchett didn’t immediately respond to INSIDER’s request for comment. Shen Yun didn’t immediately respond to requests for comment on this story.

What’s the deal with Falun Gong?

Falun Gong is a religious and political group from China with beliefs related to Buddhism and Taoism. It focuses on the human body through the lens of an idea and practice called qigong, which is meant to achieve enlightenment.

The group was founded by Li Hongzhi in 1992. He’s controversial for his personal beliefs, which are homophobic, racist, and anti-science.

Didn’t the founder of Falun Gong say something about aliens awhile back?

Yes. Li outlined some of his more eyebrow-raising beliefs in an interview with Time magazine in 1992. He said that David Copperfield can really levitate off the ground, that qigong can cure illness, and that aliens introduce science in the world so that they could use human bodies.

caption

Li Hongzhi, the master of Falun Gong, in New York in 1999.

source

HENNY ABRAMS/AFP/Getty Images

“Everyone thinks that scientists invent on their own when in fact their inspiration is manipulated by the aliens,” Li said. “The ultimate purpose is to replace humans … The human body is the most perfect in the universe. It is the most perfect form. The aliens want the human body.”

What’s China’s beef with them?

Falun Gong grew quickly in the 1990s. By 1999, the group had between 70 million and 100 million followers, according to the New York Times. The group became a significant voice of protest in a country that, at the time, had a population of nearly 1.3 billion.

Falun Gong’s largest protest – of 10,000 people – occurred in 1999, and ultimately sparked a crackdown, as described in a 2008 congressional report. Falun Gong is technically banned in China, so you won’t find Shen Yun shows there.

Read more: This map shows a trillion-dollar reason why China is oppressing more than a million Muslims

China’s embassy in the United States has published multiple statements bashing Falun Gong, Li, and Shen Yun. The notion that Falun Gong is a “cult” is a feature of Chinese propaganda against the organization.

“The so-called “Shen yun” is not a cultural performance at all but a political tool of ‘Falun Gong’ to preach cult messages, spread anti-China propaganda, increase its own influence and raise funds,” the embassy said in a statement. “The public need to stay away from the so-called ‘Shenyun’ performance of the ‘Falun Gong’ organization so as to avoid being deceived and used by the cult.”

Li, no longer safe in China, lives in the United States as a permanent resident. China has an outstanding warrant for his arrest.

And what’s this I hear about harvesting organs?

One of the ways China persecutes Falun Gong, members of the organization say, is by imprisoning its members and stealing their organs.

While research reports by governments and NGOs found that the allegations are true, it’s not clear if organ-harvesting continues today.

“As noted in the Department’s recently-released Human Rights Report on China, some activists and organizations continue to accuse the government of involuntarily harvesting organs from prisoners of conscience, especially members of Falun Gong,” a spokesperson for the US State Department told INSIDER. “The government denied the claims, having officially ended the long-standing practice of involuntarily harvesting the organs of executed prisoners for use in transplants in 2015.”

A State Department representative also told INSIDER that it backs freedom of religion in China, and believes that the ban against Falun Gong should be lifted.

“The United States continues to call on Chinese authorities to end the ban on the Falun Gong, allowing them to worship freely and practice their faith in accordance with international human rights commitments,” the spokesperson said. “Freedom of religion is critical to a peaceful, stable, and thriving society.”

Does this have anything to do with that random anti-China newspaper that shows up on my porch for some reason?

You’re probably thinking of the Epoch Times. It’s a free newspaper that’s aggressively distributed in some cities and suburbs in the United States. And it, too, has links to Falun Gong. If you’ve ever opened it up, you’ve probably seen the same type of anti-China messaging you’d find in Shen Yun.

So…what does any of this have to do with memes?

The ubiquity of Shen Yun’s posters, along with the posters’ distinctive design, has made them ripe for meme-dom.

Incredible new image from the mars rover pic.twitter.com/qjYFH0LbLH

— Ben Ellman (@heybellman) January 24, 2019

Me: h- Shen Yun: pic.twitter.com/zBn8NLtOVP

— ???? (@woozy_woozi) January 30, 2019

Shen yun is getting pretty … invasive pic.twitter.com/k1G2xPDxTx

— vanessa blah (@myfbstatuses) January 24, 2019

Fan theory I haven’t been hearing enough: What if the unseen force in “Bird Box” is the Shen Yun advertisements. pic.twitter.com/8FTTPThT5Q

— Peter Hartlaub (@peterhartlaub) December 24, 2018

pic.twitter.com/o9Bfs6PSVk

— Hot Janitor (@haha_lets_chill) January 22, 2019

The meme reinforces its marketing. By having posters everywhere, Shen Yun has become a viral joke – which just raises more awareness for the show. Kind of genius, if you think about it.

The post Shen Yun posters are everywhere — here’s everything you need to know about the mysterious show and the ‘cult’ behind it, Defence Online appeared first on Defence Online.

from WordPress https://defenceonline.com/2019/04/03/shen-yun-posters-are-everywhere-heres-everything-you-need-to-know-about-the-mysterious-show-and-the-cult-behind-it-defence-online/

[beavervan55-blog]

Weekend Picks: Getaway At The Greenhouse, Auto Show, Lunar New Year, Philly Theatre Week And More

Get excited: It’s going to be another awesome, jam-packed winter weekend in Philadelphia.

Don’t miss the last chance to check out the massive 2019 Philadelphia Auto Show, which welcomes hundreds of thousands of people every year for test drives, celebrity meet-and-greets and more car-focused fun.

Just as all vacations must end, so must the Getaway at the Greenhouse, the popular pop-up oasis at the Fairmount Park Horticulture Center featuring live music, a cash bar, food trucks and more, which wraps up on Sunday.

How about things that are kicking off? Philly Theatre Week celebrates its first full weekend with productions by major companies and independent troupes, including the Shen Yun performing arts group and Opera Philadelphia.

And Black History Month and Lunar New Year celebrations continue all weekend long, including a city-wide mural tour highlighting prominent African-Americans and the big Philadelphia Suns Lion Dance Parade, both on Sunday.

Staying overnight is the best way to see and do everything this weekend. Book the Visit Philly Overnight Hotel Package for a winter getaway featuring up to $218 in free awesome perks.

Follow Uwishunu on Twitter and Instagram for updates throughout the weekend.

Read on for our guide to this weekend in Philadelphia.

Black History Month in Philadelphia

Black History Month-related activities this weekend include a discussion about the struggles of African-American women (Saturday) and a mural tour (Sunday)...

Philadelphia Auto Show at the Pennsylvania Convention Center

Check out new models from leading vehicle brands, test drive select cars and experience off-road features at the last weekend of this massive event...

Visit Philly Overnight Hotel Package Winter Getaway

Book a Philly getaway for stays this winter and get up to $218 in free perks, including free hotel parking...

Last Chance: Getaway at the Greenhouse at the Fairmount Park Horticulture Center

Winter makes way for summer at this pop-up oasis with live music, an indoor beach and more — all free with registration (online or on-site)...

Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest

The Olympic-size ice rink, cozy lodge and arcade are open all weekend, and Sunday’s Sweets & Stouts event offers free food and beer samples while supplies last...

Winter at Dilworth Park

The seasonal attraction in the shadow of City Hall is open all weekend with special programming like a Disco Skate (Saturday) and Story Time with Marty the Moose (Sunday)...

Swing @ the Kimmel at the Kimmel Center

The interactive (and free!) virtual-reality swing temporarily installed inside the Kimmel Center sparks nostalgia for childhood and playground memories...

Orchid Extravaganza at Longwood Gardens

Delicate orchids drape windows, spill from planters and float overhead in this stunning display, on view all winter...

Philadelphia Golf & Travel Show at the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center

Practice your putt and swing, get free PGA instructions and check out the newest gear...

Live Music, Comedy, Theatre and Dance

Philly Theatre Week

This second-annual fest features performances and events throughout this city, including a new take on Romeo & Juliet, two tributes to Chekov and more... ...

Dance | Avenue of the Arts

Shen Yun at the Merriam Theatre

The Shen Yun performing arts group begins a month-long run of ancient Chinese dance performances alongside live orchestra music...

Opening: The Bridges of Madison County at the Suzanne Roberts Theatre

An on-stage adaptation of the novel brings the romantic story about timing and soulmates to life during a month-long run on South Broad Street...

More Can't-Miss Theater and Dance Shows in Philadelphia

Check out even more productions on stage at Philly's theaters and performing-arts venues...

Ongoing Exhibitions

Antony Gormley - STAND at the Philadelphia Museum of Art

This outdoor exhibition consists of 10 cast-iron ”blockwork” sculptures created by the British artist, inviting viewers to reflect on how context influences thinking...

Cotton at The African American Museum in Philadelphia

Philadelphia artist John E. Dowell explores the complicated connection between cotton and slavery in America using photographs and installations...

Pat Steir Silent Secret Waterfalls: The Barnes Series at the Barnes Foundation

Eleven new seven-foot-tall oil paintings connect with the artist's celebrated Waterfalls series, exploring the relationship between intuition and chance...

Colored People Time at the Institute of Contemporary Art

Mundane Futures, the first of the three-part Colored People Time exhibit, examines the ways slavery and colonialism continue to leave marks on American culture...

More Must-See Exhibitions in Philadelphia

Philadelphia's museums and galleries showcase can't-miss art and objects from around the globe and around the city...

Test drive cars, see the newest models from automakers and more at the final weekend of the Philadelphia Auto Show. (Photo courtesy the Philadelphia Auto Show)

Open Studio Night at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts

Talented students open their studios for free public tours during this annual event that spans five floors and nearly 200 workspaces...

Sports | South Philadelphia

Philadelphia 76ers vs. Denver Nuggets at the Wells Fargo Center

See the No. 4-ranked Sixers take on the No. 2-ranked Nuggets in this East-West Conference battle at the stadium complex...

Live Music, Comedy, Theater and Dance

Theater | Avenue of the Arts|(Fri, Sun)

Opening: A Midsummer Night's Dream at the Academy of Music

Opera Philadelphia performs this United States production premiere of Shakespeare's classic tale, set to upbeat music...

Theater | Citywide|(Fri, Sat)

Let 'im Move You: This is a Formation

The Painted Bride hosts an LGBTQ-friendly high-school-style dance in Fishtown (Friday) and pop-up performances in predominantly Black neighborhoods (Saturday)...

Galactic at The Fillmore Philadelphia

See the six-piece jam band in Fishtown, and amplify your concert-going experience with up to $230 in free perks by booking the Live Nation Visit Philly Hotel Package...

Philly Theatre Week celebrates its first full weekend with loads of shows, including two performances of A Midsummer Night's Dream at the Academy of Music. (Photo by Robert Workman)

Speaker Series: Kukuli Velarde at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts

The Peruvian-American artist discusses her painting exhibit, The Complicit Eye, on view at Taller Puertorriqueño, which examines women's and immigrants' experiences...

Exhibitions | Doylestown|(Sat, Sun)

Opening: The Art of Seating at the Michener Museum

More than 40 chairs designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, Isamu Noguchi, Frank Gehry and others tell the story of American aesthetics from the early 19th century to the present...

Lunar New Year at The Rail Park

The first Lunar New Year celebration at the elevated park includes Vietnamese coffee, hand-pulled noddles, a traditional lion dance and more...

Bucks Brewfest 101 at Bucks County Community College

Nearly 30 breweries share their pours at this first-ever celebration of beer, food and live music, which doubles as a fundraiser for educational scholarships...

Philadelphia Championship Anniversary Bar Crawl

This inaugural event to celebrate the anniversary of the Eagles' Super Bowl LII win takes fans to Philly bars for drink specials, pizza slices, commemorative gifts and more...

Opening: Long Light at the Perelman Building

The first retrospective of photographs by David Lebe includes images of anti-war sentiments, photos of his partner's battle with AIDS and other emotional subjects...

Polar Plunge at Brandywine Picnic Park

Plunge into the frigid Brandywine Creek, then warm up with hot chocolate, bonfires and food to raise money and awareness for the conservation of the watershed...

Cupid's Undie Run at World Cafe Live

Strip down to the basics and run a mile as 30 cities around the country do the same to raise money for the Children's Tumor Foundation...

Lunar New Year Family Festival at the Please Touch Museum

Dance with lions, make lanterns and learn the phases of the moon at this day-long celebration of the Year of the Pig...

Live Music, Comedy, Theater and Dance

Comedy | North Philadelphia

Jim Gaffigan at The Met Philadelphia

The comedian performs two stand-up shows at the historic opera house during gigs that are also part of the Visit Philly Live Nation Hotel Package...

Space Jesus at The Fillmore Philadelphia

Space Jesus blends hip-hop, sci-fi and psychedelia background for a bass-filled EDM act during this show that's also part of the Visit Philly Live Nation Hotel Package...

Webb Thomas Band featuring Tonya Lynette at Relish

The Northwest Philly restaurant that blends southern food and jazz music welcomes weekend performances by the drum-heavy band...

The Philadelphia Suns return to the streets of Chinatown for a daytime Lion Dance Parade on Sunday to celebrate the Lunar New Year. (Lunar New Year Parade | Photo courtesy Philadelphia Suns)

Philadelphia Suns Lion Dance Parade

A parade of colorful lions and dragons makes it way through Chinatown, starting at 10th & Race streets, in celebration of the Year of the Pig...

Resolution Rx at the Kimpton Hotel Monaco Philadelphia

A day of wellness to raise money to fight homelessness includes steep discounts for yoga, barre, pilates and other classes, health snacks and prizes...

Live Music, Comedy, Theater and Dance

Gay Men's Chorus at Lutheran Church of the Holy Communion

In the first of many performances lined up for 2019, the Philadelphia Gay Men's Chorus joins ANNA Crusis Women's Choir at the Center City church...

Music | Avenue of the Arts

Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis at the Kimmel Center

Grammy Award-winning musician and composer Marsalis performs original works, as well as favorites by Duke Ellington, Thelonious Monk and other jazz legends...

Source: https://www.uwishunu.com/2019/02/things-to-do-in-philadelphia-this-weekend-february-8-10-2019/