Physics Professor: 'They are really showing what Chinese culture is'

STOCKHOLM, Sweden—Professor Rajiv Ahuja, a physics professor at Uppsala University, was among the audience for the opening of the Divine Performing Arts Chinese Spectacular at Stockholm's Circus Theatre on Thursday.

"It was excellent, very good, and this was my first time, and maybe I think I will come back 2 or 3 times more during the coming days," said Ahuja, originally from India.

Ahuja decided to see the show after a Chinese co-worker gave him the idea, so he brought his research group. Among them were researchers from Sweden, China, Russia and Thailand.

"My research group is very international, and they wanted to come. All of them. They all have a good reputation, and they came from abroad to do research here in Sweden."

Ahuja remarked on the cultural aspect of the Spectacular. "They are really showing what Chinese culture is, and it is very close to Indian culture."

He added that the show is a good opportunity to experience Asian culture because "that is what we are missing here."

"They are talking about the old culture, the Tang dynasty from the 13th century. People are forgetting about the old Chinese traditions and Chinese culture.

"People really want to see what old China is...and this gives the history of what the country has and it is very fascinating. China has a very old culture, so we can learn something from it."

Professor Ahuja added that he would tell his friends and colleagues about the show. "I will go back tomorrow and tell the people that they should go. They should not miss it, it is very rare to get to see this kind of thing. They should not miss this."

Regarding the Chinese Embassy's attempts to stop the Spectacular in Sweden due to a segment in the show depicting the persecution of the meditation practice Falun Gong by the Chinese communist regime, Ahuja said it goes against democracy.

"I think they are wrong. [The Spectacular] should not stop...they are telling about the culture and Sweden is a democratic society, they should not stop this."

Hongting Shi is one the post doctorate researchers who attended the show with Ahuja. He is from China and has been in Sweden for only six months and will go back to China soon.

"I think the show is good—the Mongolian cup dance [Mongolian Bowl Dance] was the best. I liked it the most because their style is very beautiful. My mother was a ballerina and she can perform Mongolian dance. I have seen her dance the Mongolian cup dance before. However, she does not dance anymore because she is retired."

"I think the performances are very good. The drums are also very good, excellent."

For information about upcoming Divine Performing Arts shows, please visit: www.DivinePerformingArts.org.