Mulan

In a 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.

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.

A flagship production of CAEG’s Image China initiative, MULAN makes its New York debut at the David H. Koch Theater. Majestic and unmissable, MULAN is far more than a dance drama — it is a timeless human story crafted for the world stage.

Presented by China Arts and Entertainment Group (CAEG) and performed by China Ningbo Performance & Arts Group, directed by award-winning choreographers Zhou Liya and Han Zhen, starring Hao Ruoqi (as Mulan) and Xia Tian (as General Wei).

Creative Team

Chief Directors / Choreographers: Zhou Liya, Han Zhen

Playwright: Zhu Hai

Composition: Du Ming

Executive Directors: Li Chao, Lv Zimin

Set Design: Tan Ze'en

Lighting Design: Han Jiang

Costume Design: Wang Yukuan

Make-up Design: Jia Lei

Choreographers: Han Zhen, Zhou Liya, Lv Zimin, Li Chao, Liu Wei

Leading Roles (Casting subject to change)

Mulan: Hao Ruoqi

General Wei: Xia Tian

Rou'er: Wu Wei

Mulan's Father: Wang Zheng

Little Mulan: Liu Siyu

Eunuch: Du Boyan