ATLANTA – The Falun Dafa Association of Atlanta has reported receiving a threatening email on December 11, 2023, which warns of violence against attendees of the upcoming performances of Shen Yun Performing Arts at the Atlanta Symphony Hall. Scheduled for December 23-27, these shows mark the global debut of Shen Yun’s 2025 production, which is also set to be showcased in Japan.
The alarming email, written in Chinese, proclaimed, “Atlanta Symphony Hall will be attacked if Shen Yun is shown!!!” It contained menacing images of firearms, bullets, and two magazines. Strikingly, the sender identified themselves as the “Fourteenth Dalai Lama” using Tibetan language.
Mary Silver from the Falun Dafa Association stated, “The Chinese Communist Party is behind this. They have been doing their utmost against Shen Yun to sabotage to make these so far unfounded threats.” Fellow association member Frank Xie echoed her sentiments, noting, “They have tried this many times in the past six months. There has been an escalation in their activities. But none of the Shen Yun Shows have been delayed or canceled because of this.”
Shen Yun, which premiered in 2006, is not just any performance; it is renowned for showcasing classical Chinese dance and live music, blending Eastern and Western instruments. Many performers are practitioners of Falun Gong, regarded as key targets of the Chinese regime’s oppression, particularly due to the practice’s independence from state control. Since the 1990s, Falun Gong has attracted tens of millions of adherents, only to be met with suspicion and suppression by the government.
According to Joshua Philipp, senior investigative reporter at The Epoch Times, the very fabric of Shen Yun’s narrative threatens the Chinese Communist Party’s tightly held power. “The very nature of the show, where they present the culture of China—the Chinese Communist Party has spent decades trying to destroy,” Philipp asserted.
Starting from its inception, Shen Yun has become a significant target of the CCP, suffering through over 130 disruptions and sabotage attempts during its global tours. Events include local elected officials being pressured, bomb threats made to theaters hosting performances, and even instances of physical violence directed at their transport logistics.
“We do take this seriously. I think there will be heightened security measures to ward off any threats,” Xie remarked, indicating the readiness of the local association to bolster safety protocols. Likewise, Silver insisted, “None of these things have been real. They’ve all been hoaxes intended to create confusion and fear.” She emphasized the power of bringing these threats to light, stating, “The more we bring it out to the sunlight, the less effect it has.”
Despite the unsettling circumstances, organizers remain resolute, affirming their commitment to pushing through with the performances undeterred by fear. The nature of Shen Yun’s performances goes beyond mere entertainment; they serve as poignant reminders of the cultural heritage of China and the current human rights abuses against its people.
The show reportedly visits around 150 cities worldwide each year, including prominent locations such as Tokyo, Paris, and New York, engaging audiences with elaborate stories of traditional Chinese culture. Notably, Shen Yun is banned from China, where the CCP fears such portrayals may incite awareness and dissent among its citizens.
Following the threats, the Falun Dafa Association reached out to both the Atlanta Police Department and the FBI. While the FBI has acknowledged awareness of the allegations, they have refrained from providing any specific details about the investigation’s active status.
This incident sheds light on persistent tensions surrounding Shen Yun’s mission to celebrate and preserve traditional Chinese culture amid systematic efforts to undermine it spearheaded by the CCP. The resolve seen from the Falun Dafa Association and the Shen Yun performers demonstrates their dedication to continue their artistic endeavors regardless of the threats posed against them.
With the support from local communities and law enforcement agencies, the performances are set to proceed as planned, showcasing not just dance but resilience against oppression.
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