Sinica Podcast Inside Shen Yun and the Epoch Times, with NYT's Nicole Hong and Michael Rothfeld
Jan 9, 2025
Nicole Hong and Michael Rothfeld, investigative reporters at the New York Times, dive deep into the intertwined worlds of the Shen Yun performance troupe and the Epoch Times, both closely associated with Falun Gong. They discuss the origins of Falun Gong, its transnational influence, and the ethical dimensions of its financial growth. Personal anecdotes reveal the pressures faced by young performers at Dragon Springs, raising questions about the movement's commercialization versus its spiritual roots. The conversation also touches on the complex appeal of Falun Gong in Western cultures.
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NYT Investigative Series
- The New York Times published a series of investigative pieces on Shen Yun and The Epoch Times in 2024.
- These explored labor practices within Shen Yun and the financial growth of Falun Gong.
CCP's Threat Perception
- Falun Gong's rapid growth in popularity in the 1990s concerned the CCP.
- The 1999 Zhongnanhai protest triggered a crackdown that persists today.
Shen Yun Performance Content
- Shen Yun is a two-hour performance composed of short dance pieces and operatic singing.
- Content mixes traditional Chinese culture with explicitly pro-Falun Gong and anti-atheism messaging.
