TORONTO—Around the world, people slowly became aware of the spiritual practice Falun Dafa, which has been under severe persecution under the Chinese Communist Party. Some people come into contact with this issue through the group’s public awareness activities, and others through the New York-based performing arts group Shen Yun. Painter Jennifer Argyris attended a Shen Yun performance with her cousin on April 10. “I’m familiar with the Falun Dafa,” she said. “I’ve seen the protests downtown, but my cousin asked me to come. I’ve seen the Shen Yun commercials on TV, but I also have wanted to come for a long time.” Shen Yun is a classical Chinese dance and music company highlighting stories from 5,000 years of Chinese history before communism. A part of the performance depicts contemporary events to raise awareness of religious persecution taking place in China under the regime. “I think it was very poignant,” said …