**Excerpt:** Shen Yun, a theatrical celebration of Chinese culture and history, faces scrutiny over its practices and claims of forced labor from former performers.
**Key Points:**
– Shen Yun is an artistic production rooted in the Falun Gong spiritual movement.
– The group has faced allegations of forced labor and poor treatment of child performers.
– Former dancers Jeff Sun and Ashley Cheng have spoken out about their experiences.
– Shen Yun representatives deny allegations and claim they are part of a broader Chinese government campaign against the organization.
– New York’s Department of Labor is investigating Shen Yun’s working conditions.
Overview of Shen Yun
Deep in the woods of New York, Dragon Springs serves as the creative hub for Shen Yun, a theatrical production that reinterprets Chinese history, culture, and the political repression of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). The organization behind Shen Yun, rooted in the Falun Gong spiritual movement, has faced significant controversy and allegations.
Allegations Against Shen Yun
Ying Chen, a vice president and conductor for Shen Yun, stated, “We are putting on stage the tyranny of the CCP.” The Chinese government has labeled Shen Yun as an “evil cult,” and since its inception in 2006 by Falun Gong founder Li Hongzhi, the group has faced ongoing challenges.
Former performers Jeff Sun and Ashley Cheng, who were raised in Falun Gong families, have shared troubling experiences from their time at Dragon Springs. They recount a lack of medical care, rigorous training, and an environment of fear. Cheng noted, “I was in survival mode,” highlighting the pressures they faced as young dancers.
Life at Dragon Springs
Sun and Cheng described life at Dragon Springs as isolating. They were sent to the facility at a young age, with strict rules and expectations. Cheng mentioned that any injuries were often dismissed, with medical assistance being discouraged.
Their experiences reflect a broader pattern of allegations from former dancers regarding forced labor and inadequate medical care, leading to lawsuits against Shen Yun.
Shen Yun’s Response
In response to these allegations, Shen Yun invited media representatives to Dragon Springs, where Chen defended the organization’s practices. She emphasized the rigorous training and faith-based community at the facility, distancing the organization from the accusations of mistreatment.
Moreover, Chen remarked on the timing of the lawsuits, suggesting they coincide with a renewed campaign by Beijing against Shen Yun, which has faced threats and harassment since its inception.
Ongoing Investigations
As Shen Yun prepares for its 20th season, New York’s Department of Labor is investigating the working conditions and child labor practices within the organization. The performances continue to draw attention, but the stories of former dancers highlight complexities beneath the surface of this celebrated production.
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