Chinese Spectacular Canceled in Russia
CHAN:
And next a story from Russia. People in Saint Petersburg had been waiting for the arrival of the Shen Yun Chinese cultural show with excitement until … it was canceled. Why? Here’s more from our correspondents.
STORY
Shen Yun is a troupe from New York city. Their show revives ancient Chinese culture and traditions which are different from communist party culture. Maybe that is the reason why the show has faced so many obstacles in holding the concert in Russia.
[Oleg Mironenko, Historian]:
“The art of dancing has very deep history. I don’t know why these dances could provoke such a reaction from the Chinese Party leaders. Maybe the regime is not so strong if dances can make it fall.”
The members of troupe are mainly Chinese. The troupe is touring to more than 60 cities around the World. The organizers are concerned about safety and considered the risk too great in Russia. They didn’t receive any support or reassurance from the government.
[Viktor Hortin, Actor and Stage Manager]:
“I think that this is precisely the communist spirit which is connecting our two countries and that is the main obstacle. Art in Russia is always very dependable. Very very dependable. It is possible that the cancellation happened because of Russian communists who collaborate with the Chinese ones. Anything is possible.”
People who came to see the show were very disappointed the show was canceled. Irina came to see the show with all her family.
[Irina Andropova, Bought Show Tickets]:
“All our family have been looking forward this show for a long time and we are very disappointed that it was canceled. We just came back from Europe. We saw there how people had been waiting for the show and their attitude. We are very sad with the fact that the Chinese dancers had to cancel their trip to Russia. And we hope that the democracy in our country will be developing and in the future we will see this show.”
Many people said that the level of democracy in Russia is not satisfactory.
[Galina Pokrovskaya, Bought Show Tickets]:
“We wanted to see the show very much and was surprised with the reason why the troupe cancelled the show. Actually we don’t feel that we live in the democratic country if dancers are afraid to come to us. But anyway I think they should come and we are waiting for them.”
[Anatoliy Pokrovskiy, Bought Show Tickets]:
“The show has to take place and we are waiting for them.”
Meanwhile the show is in Romania and then performs in Italy and Germany.
NTD, Saint Petersburg, Russia.
