Shen Yun

Picture fairies drifting out of clouds and generals charging into battle. Now add tight choreography and a live orchestra. Shen Yun is coming to Wellington’s St James Theatre in February. Bring your kids along to this family-friendly show. It celebrates thousands of years of Chinese culture through classical dance and music. Dreamy scenery and costumes frame every piece. 

The orchestra blends Western symphonic and traditional Chinese instruments. These include the erhu and pipa. You don’t need to swot up about China beforehand. Bilingual emcees introduce each piece, and song lyrics are translated on the backdrop. 

The two-hour show packs in 20 pieces. One moment, you’re experiencing a legend. The next, you’re in a new region or dynasty. Mongolians ride horseback across the grasslands and generals show off their battlefield heroics. You’ll also see the philosophical works of Lao-Tzu and glimpses of heavenly realms. The stories are ancient legends of love, loss, and humour. 

Each year, eight companies, with 500 artists, perform the production across 20 countries. Every season is brand new, from the dances and music to the costumes, stories, and backdrops. Academy Award-winning actor Cate Blanchett called it “exquisitely beautiful”. Come and find out if you agree with her.