Many of us have seen the timeless, empowering story of Chinese heroine Mulan in animated form and as a live-action movie. This fall, New Yorkers will have the chance to see it live on stage in a dazzling, award-winning production, direct from China, that blends together dance and martial arts.
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. 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.
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.
Check out the trailer:
When:
Friday, September 18, 2026 at 7:30pm
Saturday, September 19, 2026 at 1:30pm and 7:30pm
Sunday, September 20, 2026 at 2:30pm
Where: David H. Koch Theater at Lincoln Center, NYC
Price: $30 and up.
To Purchase Tickets click here.
I was not compensated for this post. I received tickets.
Senior Reviewer Maytal Wichman is a PR consultant and freelance writer and has written for several blogs, including The Huffington Post. She has been living in the New York City area for over twenty-five years and holds a Bachelor’s Degree in English Literature as well as a Law Degree. Maytal is a mom to three kids, ages 19, 17 and 13.
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