MULAN Dance Drama to Make New York Debut at Lincoln Center
China Ningbo Performance & Arts Group brings the China Dance Lotus Award-winning production to the David H. Koch Theater.
China Arts and Entertainment Group will present 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.
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.
The creative team for Mulan includes chief directors and choreographers Zhou Liya and Han Zhen, with a script by Zhu Hai and music by Du Ming. Li Chao and Lv Zimin serve as executive directors, with set design by Tan Ze'en, lighting design by Han Jiang, costume design by Wang Yukuan, and make-up design by Jia Lei. The choreography team includes Han Zhen, Zhou Liya, Lv Zimin, Li Chao, and Liu Wei.
Casting is subject to change. The production stars Hao Ruoqi as Mulan, Xia Tian as General Wei, Wu Wei as Rou'er, Wang Zheng as Mulan's Father, Liu Siyu as Little Mulan, and Du Boyan as the Eunuch.
