Emcee of American Dance Company Performing at Lincoln Center in NYC discusses CCP persecution of Falun Gong and Bomb Threats
As Shen Yun returned to New York City for its performances at Lincoln Center, Leeshai Lemish, the spokesman and emcee for the world-renowned performing arts company, joined Frank Morano on WABC to discuss the significance of Shen Yun’s mission, its ongoing challenges, and the larger geopolitical context surrounding its work. Click the image below to listen to the interview.
Here is the audio file of Leeshai Lemish interview with Frank.
During the interview, Morano opened the conversation by acknowledging Shen Yun’s spectacular reputation and the enthusiasm surrounding its performances in New York. Lemish explained that Shen Yun is more than just a dance company—it is a cultural revival movement dedicated to bringing back China’s 5,000 years of traditional heritage, much of which has been systematically destroyed by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). He emphasized that Shen Yun’s performances showcase classical Chinese dance, a highly expressive and technically rigorous art form that has influenced many other dance styles worldwide.
A major theme of the discussion was the CCP’s hostility toward Shen Yun. Lemish detailed how the Chinese regime sees Shen Yun as a threat because it presents an unfiltered portrayal of China’s traditional values, spirituality, and history—elements that the Communist Party has sought to erase. He explained that Shen Yun’s artists, many of whom are practitioners of Falun Gong, have faced significant persecution. The CCP has not only banned Shen Yun from performing in China but has also actively worked to sabotage its performances worldwide by pressuring theaters, harassing sponsors, and even issuing threats.
Morano was particularly intrigued by reports of bomb threats and mass shooting threats against Shen Yun, traced back to entities connected to the CCP. Lemish confirmed that these threats have been taken seriously by law enforcement and that Shen Yun has worked with authorities to ensure the safety of its performers and audiences. He noted that despite these challenges, Shen Yun remains undeterred, continuing to tour the world and sell out venues like Lincoln Center.
The conversation then shifted to The New York Times, which has repeatedly published negative pieces about Shen Yun. Morano asked Lemish why a prestigious newspaper would target a New York-based performing arts company. Lemish suggested that The New York Times, whether intentionally or not, has echoed the CCP’s talking points, misrepresenting Shen Yun and its mission. He pointed out that many mainstream media outlets have failed to cover the harassment and threats Shen Yun has faced, despite the clear implications for free speech and artistic freedom.
Morano and Lemish also discussed the impact of Shen Yun’s performances on audiences. Lemish shared stories of attendees who were deeply moved by the show, with many describing it as a transformative experience. He explained that Shen Yun’s performances are not only visually stunning but also spiritually uplifting, touching on themes of resilience, faith, and the triumph of good over evil. Morano acknowledged that Shen Yun’s ability to inspire such strong reactions speaks to its power as an art form and as a message of hope.
As the interview wrapped up, Lemish emphasized that Shen Yun’s mission is not political but cultural—it seeks to revive an ancient civilization’s lost heritage and share it with the world. However, because the CCP sees traditional Chinese culture as incompatible with its ideology, it continues to target Shen Yun through propaganda and direct interference. Lemish urged New Yorkers to see Shen Yun for themselves and not be swayed by misleading media narratives.
Morano closed the discussion by commending Shen Yun’s perseverance and encouraging listeners to experience the performance while it was still at Lincoln Center. He expressed hope that more people would recognize the importance of artistic freedom and cultural preservation in the face of authoritarian suppression.
Lemish’s interview on WABC was a powerful moment in Shen Yun’s ongoing battle against censorship and misinformation. By sharing the truth about the challenges Shen Yun faces, Lemish provided valuable insight into the intersection of art, politics, and human rights, reinforcing why Shen Yun’s presence in New York City is more than just a performance—it is a stand for cultural freedom.
