SHEN YUN PERFORMING ARTS REVIEWS

Business Owner Hopes Younger Generation Will Learn Cultural Values From Shen Yun

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Business Owner Hopes Younger Generation Will Learn Cultural Values From Shen Yun
Joshi Raphael, his wife Efia, and their children Akhya and their young son attended Shen Yun Performing Arts at the International Convention Centre in Birmingham on Jan. 4, 2026. Na Zhang/The Epoch Times
Epoch Newsroom
Updated:
BIRMINGHAM, UK—The Raphael family came to the International Convention Centre in Birmingham on Jan. 4 to enjoy traditional Chinese culture from Shen Yun Performing Arts.

Joshi Raphael, owner of a family business, his wife Efia, and their children, Akhya and their young son, had a wonderful time.

Shen Yun tours the world with the mission to revive the traditional culture of China before communism. Many audience members agree on how relevant this mission is to modern society, including the Raphael family.

Mr. Raphael said how important he thinks Shen Yun’s efforts are to help “this generation to [know and appreciate] cultural values.”

He was happy to learn about the stories and legends from 5,000 years of traditional Chinese civilization. “We can look back in the centuries, back to Chinese lives and cultures,” he said.

Mrs. Raphael, a nurse, appreciated China’s many ethnicities. “I think it’s very good that we see the traditions and the different styles,” she said. “I liked how they showed the different ethnic groups and [the presenters] explained everything behind it. It’s all very enjoyable, and the way it’s presented—it’s beautiful.”

Akhya loved the dance piece “You Reap What You Sow,” and was drawn into the story “with the beggar child and the peach tree.”

Shen Yun uses a patented digital backdrop that interacts with performers as they jump in and out of the heavenly landscapes.

“I think that’s very clever,” Ms. Raphael said. “The way they use the digital screen, and I think it’s definitely like a fusion.”

Every Shen Yun performance features a live orchestra that plays original music to accompany the dances.

Mr. Raphael said, “The music team is wonderful. It’s really like we are in a different world.”

Audiences are often amazed at the brilliant colors of the costumes that move with the performers. Mrs. Raphael said, “The color combination is amazing.”

She highlighted the beauty of classical Chinese dance and the skill and training of the dancers.

“I really value the discipline to the art because I think it’s so important to continue this tradition and keep it alive,” she said. “And I understand that it’s like very hard and you have to be disciplined.”

“I’ve seen the tumbles. It’s incredibly difficult, and it’s amazing,” she said.

The whole family had a good time. Mr. Raphael said, “It’s a nice experience. It’s a wonderful show. We really enjoyed it.”

Reporting by Na Zhang and Yvonne Marcotte.
The Epoch Times is a proud sponsor of Shen Yun Performing Arts. We have covered audience reactions since Shen Yun’s inception in 2006.
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