Chinese dance drama 'Mulan' makes New York debut

The Chinese dance drama Mulan, performed by the Ningbo Performing Arts Group, was staged at the David H. Koch Theater at Lincoln Center in New York from Sept 18 to 21.  

Its distinctive Chinese-inspired choreography, incorporating traditional martial arts to depict Mulan's life as a soldier while highlighting both her strength and tenderness, drew warm applause from audiences.

The Chinese dance drama Mulan is staged at the David H. Koch Theater at Lincoln Center in New York, Sept 19, 2026. [Photo: China News Service/Liao Pan]

Emily Wilcox, a professor of Chinese studies at William & Mary, said it was her second time seeing the production and praised its portrayal of Mulan as a multidimensional woman rather than simply a heroic figure.

Choreographed by Zhou Liya and Han Zhen, Mulan premiered in 2017 and has since been staged more than 100 times in China and abroad, winning multiple major Chinese dance awards. 

The New York run features four performances, alongside cultural events showcasing Ningbo's arts and tourism.