Dance drama 'Mulan' celebrates its 100th performance

Dance drama "Mulan" celebrates its 100th performance with stills.

On the evening of February 24th, the sound of war drums in the Ningbo Grand Theater marked the 100th anniversary performance of the classic dance drama "Mulan" created by the Municipal Performing Arts Group.

After a hundred shows, the dance drama has experienced national tours and performed in the United States.

The 100th show is a milestone as well as a new starting point. What is the vitality of the legend "Mulan" from 1 to 100?

"The dance drama not only forged one Mulan, but a group of 'Mulan dancers'. In May 2017, the dance drama 'Mulan' had a stunning debut at the National Grand Theatre- the highest hall of Chinese performing arts." In 2024, it returns home with honors and flowers. For all those who participated in the creation of Mulan, these seven years have been a difficult period of growth and transformation.

"Mulan joins the army instead of her father. It is a well-known story and also an epic about the growth of heroes. There have been many previous excellent adaptations of art forms. So the planning and producing a unique dance drama" Mulan "requires great effort." Yan Xiaoping, Deputy General Manager of Ningbo Performing Arts Group and Art Director of "Mulan," recalled, "It took more than half a year to create, with multiple revisions and adjustments, as well as on-site reviews and adjustments, to finally produce the final 'Mulan'."

In addition, the work was jointly directed by Han Zhen and Zhou Liya, known as the "dance superstars", who have directed Shawan Past, Du Fu, Mulan, the Eternal Wave, an Expanse of Green, and Wing Chun. Mulan serves as a link between the past and the future.

"In terms of expression, the dance drama" Mulan "innovatively pioneered the concept of "dance + martial arts + drama ". Yan Xiaoping said that the combination of dance and Chinese martial arts has given the entire dance drama a special rhythm and showcased the chivalry and kung fu that countless people yearn for in their hearts.". It is with the attempt and groundwork of "Mulan" that the elements of Chinese martial arts have been more deeply and perfectly integrated with classical Chinese dance in subsequent dance drama creation.

This is true for both directors and actors. "At the age of 24, it was my first 'encounter' with Mulan." Mulan's actor Hao Ruoqi admitted in an interview that there was a two-way growth between herself and the character Mulan. "The role of Mulan has brought me breakthroughs and growth in my career. On the other hand, my personal experience has also enriched the expression of Mulan's character. After a hundred performances, a more mature myself and a more mature 'Mulan' are both treasures bestowed upon us by time," said Hao Ruoqi.

Another dancer Xiatian, the chief actor of Ningbo Song and Dance Theater, shares the same feeling. "The process of shaping the character of General Wei is also shaping myself." Xia tells her personal story: she was a dance of Chinese classical dance, but had to learn martial arts for her role in order to become a "general". She experienced a tough time and several transformations.

Time flies, leaving behind brilliant traces. The glorious return of the dance drama "Mulan" witnesses the growth and transformation of a group of "Mulan dancers".

From 1 to 100, the vitality of Mulan stems from the creative team's persistence and understanding of each stage, as well as the inheritance of Mulan's spirit that resonates with the times.

The war drum never stops.

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