Sunday’s 2 p.m. performance of Shen Yun at the Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts in downtown Toronto was abruptly cancelled following a reported bomb threat.
Toronto police said they were called to the area of Queen Street West and University Avenue around 1:15 p.m. for reports of a bomb threat.
“Officers attended, and based on the investigation, this threat appears to be unfounded,” Const. Stephanie Miceli, of Toronto Police Service, told CP24 in an email.
Miceli said that it is her understanding that the decision to cancel the performance was made by the organizers of the classical Chinese dance and music show.
Theatre got email with bomb threat: presenter
In an email sent to patrons on Sunday, The Falun Dafa Association of Toronto (FDAT), the local presenter of the show, apologized for the cancellation of this afternoon’s performance, elaborating that the theatre received an email with a bomb threat and decided to cancel the show.
“Such emailed threats are unfortunately not new. Over the past two years, over 150 similar emails have been sent to theatres hosting Shen Yun around the world,” FDAT said.
“All incidents were reported to the police and after thorough police searches they were all determined to be hoaxes. Authorities have traced the origin of some of these messages to China.”
The organization went on to note that in every instance there has never been an “actual” threat.
“These actions are part of a broader, well-documented effort by the Chinese Communist Party to try to stop Shen Yun from performing. Shen Yun portrays traditional Chinese culture before communism, as well as the reality of life under tyranny in China today–and this scares Beijing,” FDAT said.
“We want to thank the Canadian government for its ongoing support of artistic freedom, and Four Seasons for making everyone’s safety first priority.”
Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts An outside shot of the Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts at 145 Queen St. W.
Shen Yun indicates on its website that many of its performers practice Falun Gong, which they describe as a “peaceful meditation exercise which has been persecuted by communist China since 1999—a heart-wrenching story that we also include on stage.”
“A story that tells of what our family members have endured at the hands of a brutal, atheist regime. A story that Beijing seeks to silence,” organizers wrote
Safety measures being stepped up
The Falun Dafa Association of Toronto noted that for this upcoming weeks Shen Yun performances, the Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts would “enhance security measures and conduct K-9 sweeps in advance of every show to ensure everyone’s safety and no further disruptions.”
“We are deeply grateful for your patience and understanding. We truly hope you will still take the opportunity to experience Shen Yun,” they wrote.
Ticketholders offered options
Ticketholders for this afternoon’s show are being given the option to either exchange their ticket for another Toronto performance this week or use it for next year’s Shen Yun performances at any Greater Toronto Area theatre.
The investigation is ongoing.
