A spectacle of Chinese history and culture
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al creativity. “ Not that the show is without controversy. Some reviewers have questioned whether art or politics is the prime mover, since funding is linked to Falun Gong.

Chipkar, who lives in Toronto, has practiced Falun Gong for 12 years — a practice the Chinese Communist government has banned as an “evil cult.” Chipkar describes it as “a spiritual discipline based on truthfulness, compassion and forbearance.” Within the show are two set pieces that portray persecution of Falun Gong practitioners.

Chipkar says the pieces involving Falun Gong are an important window on the realities of modern day China.

“There is no deception or proselytizing happening in this show,” he says. “There is only an attempt to fuse different truths in one program and show the spirituality of ancient China. Falun Gong is based on tenets deeply rooted in that spirituality. Shen Yun is also about history and important, undeniable issues facing China today.”

“We believe,” says Chipkar, “the public has the taste and judgment to decide for itself what can and cannot be included in the performing arts arena.

“Human rights should not be a taboo subject. It’s part of China’s history.”

Shen Yun will be presented Tuesday, Feb. 9, at 7:30 p.m. at Sangamon Auditorium. Tickets are available for purchase by calling 800-207- 6960 or e-mail [email protected].

Julie Cellini of Springfield, a freelance contributor to Illinois Times, frequently reports on the arts.