Have you noticed how this newsletter is changing? Until we launch into our next event, it will be a blog about news, books and initiatives that matter to me (and others) as a journalist and cult observer. I hope you find it inspiring and informative. This week, we have a call to action about an upcoming dance show in Auckland, staged by an international cult: Falun Gong.
SHEN YUN COMING TO A THEATRE NEAR YOU
The New York Times ran a series of exposés last month about the worldwide Chinese meditation movement Falun Gong (or Falun Dafa) and its Shen Yun dancers. I finally got an online subscription, currently on sale for only US$20 per year, to read them all. Hopefully you can support the newspaper too (if not, contact me for a free link to the articles). We need fact-checked quality media more than ever.
My friend Jaya Gibson, who does pro-bono design work for Decult, was a Falun Gong practitioner and the global marketing director of the Epoch Times. The cult’s propaganda rag was available at New Zealand supermarkets. 14 years inside the cult impacted on Jaya’s mental and physical health. He was featured in the last NYT article, with more to come soon – including a documentary.
The Christchurch artist also bravely spoke out when Falun Dafa/Gong marched in the Santa Parade in Auckland and other cities in December where local organisers were oblivious or ignorant (I picked up this fun fact for the German media). The cult had a presence at ArtBeat in Whangarei and other cultural events around Aotearoa New Zealand. Why, you ask?
Because Falun Gong is heavily persecuted by the Chinese government. “They’ve been victimised by the CCP, which they’re very vocal about and it’s brutal – but they’re also victimising their own members, which is not so well known”, says Jaya. “Both is true.”
Many cults have a public facing entertainment front for PR and recruitment. Think of the concerts at Gloriavale or the 7M TikTok cult. Scientology as well as the Children of God toured their famous musicians back in the days. Falun Gong has Shen Yun – which is coming to a theatre near you soon.
Their show at the Aotea Centre in Auckland is from 20 – 23 February. Tickets start at $112. It’s big business.
Jaya contacted the venue last week and listed his concerns about Falun Gong, which operates Shen Yun. They included
- cult-like characteristics: exclusivist teachings, strong control over members’ lives and a charismatic leader who is considered infallible.
- forced child labour: Many Shen Yun performers were recruited (forced) as children into intense training regimens with low or no pay. Their movements are restricted and they lack education and healthcare.
- exploitation of immigrant children: Shen Yun specifically targets children of Falun Gong immigrants from China, taking advantage of their vulnerable status.
- financial exploitation: Falun Gong pressures its followers to make significant financial contributions, and Shen Yun serves as their revenue-generating tool.
- political interference: Falun Gong has actively pushed a pro-Trump agenda. Shen Yun shows have political content.
- misinformation: Falun Gong-affiliated media like the Epoch Times has spread conspiracy theories and disinformation.
- homophobia: Homosexuality is viewed as immoral and unnatural. The practice of Falun Gong promises to overcome homosexual desires.
“In light of this information,” Jaya wrote to the Aotea Centre, “I urge you to reconsider your decision to host Shen Yun. By cancelling these performances, you would be demonstrating your commitment to ethical practices, upholding human rights and protecting your audience from potential manipulation and misinformation.”
Unfortunately, he received a disappointing reply that they were maintaining “a neutral stance” on the matter. He was basically fobbed off.
You can support Jaya’s cause and contact Auckland Live (Tātaki Auckland Unlimited) with your concerns: [email protected]
Please share our newsletter with others – or feel free to unsubscribe, no bad feelings! I’ll be back soon with the latest on ISTA (International School of Temple Arts), a controversial organisation I know well. They don’t have dance troupes, but they run courses in New Zealand and around the world. Watch this space.
Ngā mihi nui,
Anke Richter