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The New York debut of the award-winning dance drama
MULAN
produced and performed by China
Ningbo Performance & Arts Group,
with four performances only from September 18-20, 2026
at the
David H. Koch Theater at Lincoln Center for the Performing
Arts,
20 Lincoln Center Plaza, NYC.
https://www.davidhkochtheater.com/tickets-and-events/mulan
Winner of the China Dance Lotus Award, the highest honor in
Chinese dance, MULAN is a sweeping, visually resplendent
dance drama that reimagines one of China’s most enduring
legends for global audiences.
In that legend shaped by filial piety, bravery, and the yearning for
peace, a young Chinese heroine disguises herself as a man to
take her father’s place on the battlefield — and rises to
eternal renown.
Beyond depicting a warrior’s journey, it unfolds a profound
narrative of self-identity, inner growth, and human
compassion — the story of a woman who stands firm for her
family, her homeland,
and her true self.
Created by award-winning choreographers Zhou Liya and Han
Zhen, the production masterfully merges classical Chinese
dance, martial arts, and epic theatrical aesthetics into a
powerful movement language. Where traditional retellings
focus solely on Mulan’s heroism, this interpretation reveals
her grace, vulnerability, and unwavering longing for peace.
Performed by an elite cast of dancers from China Ningbo
Performance & Arts Group and headlined by Hao Ruoqi,
Principal Dancer of China National Opera & Dance Drama
Theater, MULAN delivers impeccable technical precision
paired with profound emotional depth. Hao Ruoqi embodies
Mulan with rare grace, strength, and agility, transitioning
effortlessly between the rigor of military discipline and
the lyrical softness of womanhood, capturing the core spirit
of the iconic character.
Xia Tian (as the male lead General Wei) also delivers
brilliant performance.
Central to the production is a monumental 15-meter revolving
stage, which acts as a quiet yet expressive presence:
heightening the intensity of battle scenes, framing intimate
emotional moments, and symbolizing the cycle of life, war,
and remembrance. Complemented by exquisitely crafted period
costumes and atmospheric lighting, the design elevates an
ancient legend into an immersive contemporary theatrical
experience — where East meets West, tradition meets
innovation, and history comes vividly to life. Evocative
original music weaves traditional Chinese folk instruments
with dramatic symphonic orchestration. Transcending
linguistic and cultural boundaries, it resonates with
universal values: loyalty, sacrifice, self-discovery, and
the eternal pursuit of peace.
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