Work commissioned, developed and performed by Michelle Yim
The Ballad of Mulan
A woman, a warrior, a Chinese legend.
Don't expect a fluffy, magical Disney tale here, this Mulan is visceral. She is a warrior, a fighter, a woman who survived in a very male world for ten years without discovery. There is no perfect make-up, no singing animals, just a gritty story of a soldier. For ten long years she fought for the Chinese Empire, disguised as a man, but now the fighting is coming to an end, one last battle and she will be going home – but can she return to her old life, become a woman again. A search for identity in a violent world.
This is Michelle Yim's third solo commission, after The Empress and Me and An Evening with Miss Wong. Bloomsbury playwright Ross Ericson and Michelle Yim bring to life the real Mulan who, to save her families honour, disguised herself as a man and joined the Emperors army.
This project’s development is supported using funding from Arts Council England.
Written and Directed by Ross Ericson
Performed by Michelle Yim
Music by Pearl Yim
Weapon and Armour by Philip Dell
Costume by Elizabeth Cooke
Produced by Grist to the Mill Productions
The Ballad of Mulan has visited:
The Rotunda Theatre, Buxton Fringe 21 Jul 2019
Assembly Room, Powder Room, Edfringe 2-23 Aug 2019
Chinese New Year 2020 UK Tour
New Hall School, Chelmsford, 22 Jan 2020
Dixie Grammar School, Market Bosworth, 28 Jan 2020
Newcastle Confucius Institute, 31 Jan 2020
The Carlile Hub, Meltham, 1 Feb 2020
Tullie House Museum, Carlisle, 2 Feb 2020
Cowley International College, St Helen, 3 Feb 2020
Anchorsholme Academy, Thornton-Cleveley, 4 Feb 2020
The Old Hall, UWTSD, Lampeter Campus, 5 Feb 2020
The Old Town Hall, Hemel Hempstead, 12 Feb 2020
Seven Kings School, Ilford, 14 Feb 2020
Bakehouse Theatre Studio, Adelaide Fringe 3, 7, 12 Mar 2020
Press Reviews
Tulpa Magazine 'A powerful exploration of gender, war, and identity, as relevant and timely today as ever.'
Stage Whispers 'Michelle Yim is absolutely terrific as Mulan. She holds the stage with a commanding presence as well as charm and warmth. We feel for Mulan's dilemma, as well as being impressed with her fighting skills.'
