Leeshai Lemish Interviews with John B Wells on Ark Midnight

Shen Yun Spokesman and Emcee Reaches Millions on The Intelligence Briefing

On the evening of March 15, 2025, the radio waves came alive with an intriguing episode of Ark Midnight’s Intelligence Briefing. Hosted by John B. Wells, a seasoned broadcaster and investigative journalist, the program brought an extraordinary guest onto the airwaves: Leeshai Lemish, the artistic director and prominent spokesperson for Shen Yun Performing Arts. The conversation that unfolded was a blend of brutal Chinese Communist Party (CCP) tactics, cultural insight, historical reflection, and artistic exploration, captivating listeners from around the world.

Click to listen (Leeshai’s Interview starts at the 6:12:02 mark):

Shen Yun Performing Arts, an acclaimed global dance company, has gained immense popularity for its vibrant performances that seek to revive traditional Chinese culture. However, the organization has often been the subject of controversy due to its political undertones, particularly its criticism of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) and its advocacy for the preservation of spiritual freedom. This backdrop made the interview particularly engaging, as both Lemish and Wells navigated through the complex relationship between art, politics, and the Chinese regime.

From the onset of the interview, John B. Wells welcomed Leeshai Lemish with warmth, setting the stage for a wide-ranging discussion. Wells, known for his probing questions, wasted no time in asking Lemish about the core mission of Shen Yun. Lemish, ever poised, explained that Shen Yun’s primary goal was to bring to the world the beauty and depth of traditional Chinese culture, a culture that was nearly lost due to the ravages of communism and other sociopolitical factors over the last century.

“Shen Yun’s mission is to revive what was suppressed for decades,” Lemish said. “Through our performances, we aim to remind people of the beauty of classical Chinese dance and the profound spiritual philosophies that have shaped our civilization—especially the principles of truth, compassion, and tolerance.”

Lemish’s words echoed a sentiment that has been the heart of Shen Yun’s work since its inception. The company, founded in 2006 by a group of Chinese artists with ties to the Falun Gong movement, seeks to highlight the rich traditions of Chinese culture while criticizing the CCP’s role in eradicating those very traditions. This philosophical underpinning is woven throughout every aspect of the performances, from the colorful costumes to the poignant storytelling.

John B. Wells, who has spent years exploring deep, often politically sensitive subjects, delved into the challenges Shen Yun faces in its mission. One of the major difficulties the company encounters is the intense censorship and suppression it faces from the CCP. The Chinese government has gone to great lengths to block performances of Shen Yun in China and even pressured foreign governments, venues, and media outlets to prevent the group from performing.

Wells, known for his skepticism of authoritarian regimes, pressed Lemish on the political dimensions of Shen Yun’s work. He asked, “Is it true that there are elements of political resistance embedded in Shen Yun’s performances? And if so, how does that affect the response from governments and audiences?”

Lemish responded thoughtfully, acknowledging that while Shen Yun’s performances are deeply spiritual and culturally rich, they are indeed critical of the CCP’s policies, especially in regard to the persecution of Falun Gong practitioners, religious groups, and other minority communities in China. However, he emphasized that Shen Yun is not a political movement in the traditional sense.

“We are not a political protest group,” Lemish clarified. “We don’t seek to directly engage in political battles, but we can’t ignore the fact that our art speaks against the oppression we see in China today. The CCP’s actions, particularly against spiritual freedom, are something we feel compelled to address through our work.”

The conversation then took a reflective turn as Lemish shared his personal journey into the world of Shen Yun. Born and raised in Israel, Lemish’s background is a testament to the global appeal of Shen Yun’s message. His journey from being an outsider to a leader of the company speaks volumes about the universal desire to connect with something larger than oneself—something timeless. Lemish spoke passionately about how his upbringing and later discovery of Chinese culture shaped his understanding of art’s power to transcend borders and ideologies.

Wells was intrigued by Lemish’s own connection to the performance art world. “You’re someone who’s devoted much of your life to Shen Yun, but your perspective seems deeply rooted in a universal appeal. Do you think that art has the ability to change the world in the way that you envision?”

Lemish was quick to agree, explaining that art has always been a vehicle for societal change. He reflected on how art movements in history—whether in the Renaissance, during the Enlightenment, or even in modern times—have challenged the status quo and inspired audiences to think deeply about the world around them.

“The beauty of Shen Yun’s message,” Lemish said, “is that it isn’t just about one country or one people. It’s about humanity as a whole. We hope that by showcasing traditional Chinese culture, we are providing a glimpse into something much larger—a sense of unity that transcends geographical and political boundaries.”

As the interview neared its conclusion, Wells asked Lemish about the future of Shen Yun and what audiences can expect from the company in the years to come. Lemish hinted at exciting developments, including new performances that would delve deeper into Chinese history and spirituality. But above all, he emphasized Shen Yun’s unwavering commitment to its mission: to share the beauty and richness of traditional Chinese culture with the world, while standing firm in the face of adversity.

“Shen Yun will continue to do what it does best: bring the light of traditional Chinese culture to the world and stand as a testament to the power of art in overcoming darkness,” Lemish said.

With that, the interview came to a close, leaving listeners with a renewed appreciation for the power of art to challenge and inspire. It was a conversation that not only illuminated the goals of Shen Yun but also provided profound insights into the ongoing struggle for cultural freedom in China today. For those tuning in, it was a reminder of the importance of preserving culture and standing firm in the face of political oppression.