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China Arts and Entertainment Group (CAEG) presents 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, 20 Lincoln Center Plaza, NYC. Performances: Fri & Sat at 7:30pm, Sat at 1:30pm, Sun at 2:30pm. Tickets start at $30 and can be purchased online https://www.davidhkochtheater.com/tickets-and-events/mulan.

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.

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 this fall. Majestic and unmissable, MULAN is far more than a dance drama — it is a timeless human story crafted for the world stage.

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: Tang Xinyi
General Wei: Xia Tian, Wang Zheng
Rou’er: Wu Wei
Mulan’s Father: Wang Zheng, Jiang An
Little Mulan: Liu Siyu
Eunuch: Du Boyan

Artist Bios
Zhou Liya (Chief Director / Choreographer)
A graduate of the Choreography Department at Beijing Dance Academy, Zhou Liya is a resident choreographer and stage director with the China Oriental Song and Dance Troupe. Certified as a National Outstanding Expert by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, she received the 13th, 14th and 18th Wenhua Director Award. Her productions have won the 13th, 14th, 15th, 16th and 17th Grand Wenhua Award, the 10th and 11th Lotus Award for Chinese Dance Drama, plus the 13th, 14th and 15th Best Works Award. Many of her pieces were selected for China’s National Program for Excellent Stage Art and have toured internationally to iconic venues including the Sydney Opera House, EU Headquarters, United Nations Headquarters, Lincoln Center and the Kennedy Center. Her signature dance dramas include The Journey of a Legendary Landscape, Wing Chun, The Eternal Waves, Mulan, Dragon Boat Racing and Du Fu.

Han Zhen (Chief Director / Choreographer)
Han Zhen joined the China Oriental Song and Dance Troupe in 2019 and currently works as a graduate advisor at Beijing Dance Academy. She is a winner of the 14th and 18th Wenhua Director Award, as well as the “Best Choreographer” honor at the 6th CCTV National Dance Competition. Her productions earned three consecutive Grand Wenhua Awards and three consecutive Best Works Awards, along with two back-to-back Lotus Awards for Chinese Dance Drama. Two of her pieces were selected for the National Program for Excellent Stage Art. Her stage works have toured globally to the Sydney Opera House, EU Headquarters, United Nations Headquarters, Lincoln Center and the Kennedy Center. Her well-known choreographed productions are The Journey of a Legendary Landscape, Wing Chun, The Eternal Waves, Mulan, Dragon Boat Racing and Du Fu.