CREATION: Drawing inspiration from the Tang Dynasty era

Long awaited downpours nourished the city of Melbourne last night, as locals soaked up the splendour of New Tang Dynasty Television's Chinese New Year Spectacular.

After a day of unusually hot autumn weather amidst a record drought, the rain brought relief to the bustling city and ushered crowds into the Regent Theatre where the heavens opened again on stage with tales of the mystical and the divine, bringing nourishment of another kind.

"I just thought the whole thing was absolutely beautiful…very tranquil and enjoyable. I feel refreshed coming out from it," said Siobhan Comberland, a registered nurse from Melbourne.

"A display of artistry and gentleness which is absolutely uplifting", said influential President of the National Civic Council and leader of the Coalition to Investigate the Persecution of Falun Gong in China (CIPFG) Victoria Investigation Team.

Many consider the Tang Dynasty Chinese history's golden age, and believe the culture was divinely inspired.

In the opening performance Creation, heavenly beings gather. Looking down at our world, a Buddha conveys that he will go to earth and bring goodness to humankind, inviting the others to join him. He then appears in the Tang Dynasty as an emperor. The ornately dressed women represent one of the rich aspects of the Tang culture deemed to be a gift from the heavens. The two Chinese characters on the projection read "Great Tang". The sights and sounds awaken the senses with a feeling of awe and grandeur as the divine enters the world.

Ancient Chinese culture has long held that the nation's leaders were divinely appointed to their positions, and the state of society was closely related to their values and behavior.

One might say that the Spectacular is planting the seed for the restoration of the traditional values, and as a consequence good fortune will follow.

Whatever the weather, there is no doubt that the Chinese New Year Spectacular has an uplifting and rejuvenating effect on those who witness it.

The audiences came from both the East and the West. Also, well known faces like Victorian Senator Lyn Allison and Leader of the Australian Democrats was at The Regent Theatre and encouraged more people to see the show.

"I think the more people that see it, the better. There are a lot of Chinese people here obviously, but it would be good for more non-Chinese Australians to come along," Ms Allison said.

The Epoch Times is proud to join with New Tang Dynasty TV and Sound of Hope Radio in co-sponsoring NTDTV's Chinese New Year Spectacular ( http://shows.ntdtv.com. )