Hong Kong Dance Company, The Legend of Mulan

As Hong Kong Dance Company’s signature dance-drama, The Legend of Mulan has garnered accolades in Hong Kong, New York and Sydney.

First presented in Hong Kong in November 2014, it went on to win the Hong Kong Dance Award for Outstanding Production and has since received international critical acclaim.

The Legend of Mulan is a tale of love, peace and virtue. It follows a young maiden, Mulan, who bravely disguises herself as a man to join the army in place of her aged father.

Mulan may have been motivated by tender love for her father, but the harsh reality is that she is soon caught up in a war. As she becomes skilled with a sword, Mulan demonstrates extraordinary courage fighting to protect her family and country.

Artistic director Yang Yuntao’s choreography combines traditional Chinese dance – which itself unites the movements of tai chi, the martial art of wushu and various ethnic dances – with contemporary dance technique.

Yuntao endeavours to celebrate Mulan’s humanity and wisdom just as much as her nerve in combat. So, pulse-racing, bravura battle scenes are juxtaposed against emotive passages that depict the heroine’s personal struggles.

Principal dancer Pan Lingjuan takes on the role of China’s legendary warrior woman, while Hong Kong Dance Company favourite Huang Lei stars as Mulan’s father.

Hong Kong Dance Company’s mission statement is to 'impress the world with Chinese dance of Hong Kong character' and The Legend of Mulan appears to be doing just that with its vivid storytelling and distinctive East-meets-West style.

The production is only on for the one night in the capital but a few tickets are still available and it certainly seems worth investigating.

Children who may recently have enjoyed the Disney cartoon version of this story, Mulan, may well want to see a live version of it.
This production is suitable for ages 5+