Hong Kong Authorities Deny Visas to Shen Yun Performing Arts, Force Cancellation of Sold-Out Shows

Hong Kong Authorities Deny Visas to Shen Yun Performing Arts, Force Cancellation of Sold-Out Shows

Shen Yun to hold New York press conference Monday, 1:00 p.m.

NEW YORK, Jan. 25 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Three days before over 90 dancers, musicians, and technical crew were to board a plane for Hong Kong ahead of seven sold-out shows, Hong Kong authorities refused to issue visas to key production members, forcing the shows' cancellation.

As had been clearly explained to Hong Kong authorities, these seven crew members are an integral part of Shen Yun Performing Arts and are highly trained in Shen Yun's specific artistic requirements. They cannot be replaced and the show cannot go on without them.

As no logical explanation can be given as to why these key members were denied visas, one is left to wonder if the authorities' decision was politically motivated, aimed at sabotaging Shen Yun's Hong Kong shows and resulting in an infringement on Hong Kong people's freedom.

What: Press conference, meet Shen Yun
When: Monday, 1:00 p.m.
Where: Doubletree Guest Suites Times Square
OFF Broadway Room (5th Floor)
1568 Broadway, New York, NY 10036

Who: - Vina Lee, Company Manager and Choreographer
- Cindy Liu, lead dancer
- Leon Chao, lead dancer
- Hoiwa Lee, dancer and Hong Kong resident
- Gregory Xu, stage manager whose visa was denied
- Chia-hwa Tsai, lighting engineer whose visa was denied

...will speak and be available for interviews. Shen Yun footage will also be shown.

The Chinese communist regime has been interfering with our performances for years by pressing officials and theaters to cancel our shows. Shen Yun has performed in front of millions of people in over 20 countries around the world, and this was to be its first run in Hong Kong. Why do Hong Kong authorities fear allowing its people to experience a cultural performance based in their own heritage that also depicts present-day events?

Background:

Based in New York, Shen Yun Performing Arts is a nonprofit organization that seeks to revive China's artistic traditions that thrived before decades of suppression. At the production's heart is classical Chinese dance, along with vocalists, a unique orchestra of Chinese and Western instruments, and colorful hand-made costumes. Our dances portray traditional legends, as well as events in present-day China, like the story of Falun Gong. By artistically depicting these stories on stage, we aim to breathe new life into the values of China's divinely inspired culture.

Source: Shen Yun Performing Arts

CONTACT: Leeshai Lemish of Shen Yun Performing Arts, +1-347-920-0735,
leeshai.lemish@shenyunperformingarts.org

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