MEMPHIS, Tenn.—The bright costumes, gravity-defying flips, and thrilling music—these are what initially draws people to Shen Yun. But what makes them devout to the show, as many of the audiences are? Beyond the artistry and aesthetic excellence displayed on stage is a sacred cause espoused by the performers: that of protecting freedom of belief, and advocating for those suffering religious persecution in China today. Many of the performers are refugees themselves, being practitioners of Falun Gong, the popular meditation tradition that has been brutally persecuted by the Chinese communist regime since 1999. Former nursing teacher Gail Faust attended the Jan. 29 matinee in Memphis along with her family. She particularly appreciates the part of the performance that highlights this issue. “I think there are a lot of people that see Chinese people as all OK with communism when that’s not really the reality … And I think it is brave …