Behind the success of Shen Yun show, former Falun Gong followers allege abuse
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The stage show Shen Yun draws audiences across the world with its vision of 5,000 years of Chinese civilisation through classical dance and opera. But in an RFI investigation, former dancers and followers of the Falun Gong movement behind the production describe a very different reality – of psychological coercion, untreated injuries and forced labour involving minors.
John Smithies spent 20 years following the teachings of the Chinese spiritual movement Falun Gong, and held a senior role at its newspaper Epoch Times.
At a meeting last year, he heard a dancer from the Shen Yun company, founded by followers of the movement, tell the room: “If you make a mistake during this performance, the audience will lose their chance to remain on Earth for eternity.”
“Saying that to 14 and 15-year-olds puts incredible pressure on their shoulders,” the British former follower told RFI. “It’s like mental torture.”
His account echoes two complaints filed by former dancers accusing the organisation of forced labour by minors and complaining of untreated injuries and psychological pressure that pushed teenagers to work days of more than 15 hours.
Shen Yun describes its performances as “the rebirth of 5,000 years of Chinese civilisation”. The show, lasting two and a half hours, combines lyrical singing, classical dance and a symphony orchestra.
The company now operates eight touring troupes that perform hundreds of shows each year across several continents, drawing more than a million theatre-goers annually – with tickets typically costing around €75.
Read more https://www.rfi.fr/en/international/20260315-behind-the-success-of-shen-yun-former-falun-gong-followers-allege-abuse-china
Content retrieved from: https://www.rfi.fr/en/international/20260315-behind-the-success-of-shen-yun-former-falun-gong-followers-allege-abuse-china.
