‘Escalating threats:’ Toronto’s Four Seasons Centre cancels 5 remaining Shen Yun performances

All remaining Shen Yun shows have been cancelled over ongoing bomb threats that the presenters say have been traced back to China. Melissa Duggan reports.

Shen Yun’s run in downtown Toronto has come to an abrupt end after the venue pulled five remaining performances amid report of threats.

Last Sunday, the classical Chinese dance and music show’s 2 p.m. performance at the Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts, near Queen Street West and University Avenue, was cancelled following a reported bomb threat.

The Falun Dafa Association of Toronto (FDAT), the event’s presenter, said at that time that the theatre, which is operated by the Canadian Opera Company, would “enhance security measures and conduct K-9 sweeps in advance of every show to ensure everyone’s safety and no further disruptions.”

Ticketholders were also 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.

Upcoming shows at the Four Seasons Centre were set to take place on April 1 at 2 p.m., April 3 at 7:30 p.m., April 4 at 2 and 7:30 p.m., and April 5 at 1 p.m.

In a written statement, the Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts confirmed that on March 31 it cancelled the aforementioned performances of Shen Yun.

“This action was taken out of an abundance of caution, following the receipt of an escalating series of threatening messages that were swiftly reported to Toronto Police Service,” the venue said.

“The well-being of staff, crews, artists, and audiences remain our highest priority, and the difficult decision was made entirely in the interest of public safety.”

The Four Seasons Centre added that it recognizes the “disappointment this may cause for ticket-holders” and is encouraging them to contact Shen Yun directly at 1-855-416-1800 or [e-mail] to “review available options.”

“We appreciate the understanding and cooperation of our community as we continue to prioritize the safety of all those who work in and visit the Four Seasons Centre,” the theatre said.

In a message on its website, Shen Yun said due to the high volume, refunds cannot be processed immediately and asked for patience.

“In the meantime, patrons may choose to convert their tickets into a non-expiring Shen Yun gift card for future performances,” it read.

Presenter advised of cancellations Tuesday

Joel Chipkar, a spokesperson for the FDAT, said the venue notified them in writing at 10:30 p.m. on Tuesday that it had received “escalating threats” over the past 48 hours and they’d be cancelling Shen Yun’s remaining performances there.

Toronto police initially told CP24 that they only received one report for a bomb threat at the Four Seasons Centre on March 29 and it “appears to be unfounded,” Det. Const. Amy Davey told CP24.

Const. Shannon Eames confirmed on Thursday afternoon police received reports of additional threats on March 30.

“They were determined to be unfounded. Toronto Police have not determined the origin of the threats,” she wrote in a follow-up email to CP24.

Eames added that it is her understanding that the decision to cancel the shows was made by the venue.

The investigation continues.

Venue has not shared specifics of threats

In a follow-up news release, FDAT said specifics about these latest “hoax” threats have not been shared with them.

The presenter, however, is attributing them to “Beijing’s systematic global campaign to stop Shen Yun - a show that presents the beauty of ‘China before communism’ and brings light to modern day human rights abuses happening in China.”

“10,000 Canadians were threatened by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). We are all victims,” Chipkar said in the release.

He added that they tried to convince the venue to reconsider, but ultimately the Four Seasons Centre remains firm in its decision to call off Shen Yun’s remaining shows there.

“We condemn the CCP for its continued threats to Canadians and our institutions and urge the theater to stand with artists and reverse its decision,” said the group’s spokesperson.

“Cancelling the show under such circumstances sets a concerning precedent that foreign actors can disrupt Canadian business operation and society at will. We remain committed to finding a path forward with Four Seasons so Toronto audiences can experience Shen Yun as intended.”

The association underlined that public safety remains its top priority and they “full cooperated to enhance security” following last Sunday’s bomb threat.

“Despite that, the show was cancelled. Thousands of audience members have been affected,” Chipkar added.

Many Shen Yun performers practice Falun Gong

Shen Yun went on to indicate that it was founded by “victims of ongoing human rights abuses in China.”

Its website says that many of its performers practice Falun Gong, which they describe as a “peaceful meditation exercise” that has been persecuted by communist China since 1999.

The show, they say, is 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.”

Shen Yun’s Mississauga show also threatened

Peel Regional Police confirmed to CP24 that they received a call for a bomb threat received via email against Shen Yun on March 15 at 11:30 a.m.

The company had a four-show run at Mississauga’s Better Living Centre from March 14 to 17.

A media officer said they “have not identified any evidence indicating a credible threat.”

The Shen Yun show on that delay was not cancelled but was delayed by two hours, FDAT said.

150 threats worldwide: presenter

The group said globally there have been more than 150 “false bomb threats” made against Shen Yun, all of which have aimed to shut down the company and all of which have turned out to be not credible.

“No threat has ever materialized, all the shows have continued to perform — until now. The Four Seasons Centre’s decision is, regrettably, unprecedented,” wrote FDAT.