Do you remember the spark of inspiration we shared a year ago?
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It has been one year since the Chinese and Jewish communities came together for a historic milestone—the Shanghailander workshop. Led by Master Shen Pei, Artistic Director of Shen Pei Arts Alliance, and Professor Natan Paradise, Director of the Center for Jewish Studies at the University of Minnesota, that evening was nothing short of transformative. The most profound moment was the shared testimony of two survivors: Mr. Manny Gabler, who found refuge in Shanghai, and Director Shen Pei, a survivor of the Nanjing Massacre. Their memories, intertwined with live dance, transported us into the depths of history and revealed a powerful intersection of our two cultures. |  |
Now, the wait is over. We are finally bringing the complete, two-act dance drama to the stage, inviting our entire community to listen once more to the echoes of history.
At the heart of this production is the extraordinary Master Shen Pei. At ninety years of age, she continues to create with a depth, breadth, and vitality that is truly unmatched. Under her visionary leadership, the Shen Pei Arts Alliance (SPAA) has become a dedicated professional ensemble rooted in Chinese heritage.
We are especially proud that our lead dance cast is composed of talented Chinese-American adoptees. They are true treasures of our community—living bridges who represent the enduring friendship between China and the United States across generations. By dedicating themselves to the mastery of Chinese dance and the storytelling of this historic sanctuary, they offer a meaningful gift back to the community. In a world still grappling with conflict and uncertainty, their performance serves as a poignant plea for peaceful coexistence and the resilience of the human spirit.
Join us as we carry this historic friendship into the next generation.
Historical Context
During World War II, Shanghai stood as a global sanctuary—it was the only city to keep its doors open to those with nowhere else to go, ultimately saving over 20,000 Jewish refugees fleeing Nazi persecution. Shanghai’s profound inclusivity and selfless spirit remain a timeless example of how different races can coexist in harmony even in the darkest of times.
This dance drama is inspired by real historical figures, breathing life into a narrative that must never be forgotten. By weaving the past into the present, it allows the light of history to illuminate our modern world.
Tickets Information
When:
Saturday May 30, 2026 7pm
Sunday May 31, 2026 6:30pm
Where:
Fridley High School Performance Center 6000 West Moore Lake Drive Fridley, MN 55432, Door 12
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- Limited walk-in seating will be available for purchase at the venue.
- Use discount code “GROUP” for purchasing 8 or more tickets across any number of performances.
- VIP Ticket Privileges:
- Professional Photo Op: A session with the Director and Lead Cast.
- Commemorative Gift: A limited-edition Official Poster signed by the Director, Choreographer, and Lead Cast.
- More info. Shen Pei Arts Alliance