Children's percussion musical Mulan set for premiere in Beijing

A legendary tale is getting a high-energy, rhythmic makeover. Mulan, an innovative children's percussion musical, is set to premiere at the China National Theatre for Children in Beijing.

Running for 18 performances from April 25 to May 17, the production officially kicks off the theatre's landmark 70th-anniversary performance season, according to a news conference on Monday.

The story of Hua Mulan—the brave young woman who disguised herself as a soldier to fight in her father's stead—has been a staple of Chinese culture since the fifth-century Ballad of Mulan. While Disney's animated and live-action films made her a global superstar, this new production marks the first time the narrative has been reimagined as a fusion of percussion and musical theater, according to the creators.

By adopting a "youthful lens", the show aims to transform the iconic warrior into a character that is relatable to children today. co-playwright Zou Jingzhi emphasized that the show uses imaginative staging to breathe "fresh energy" into the classic legend.

Director Mao Ernan explained that it isn't just a story about loyalty and bravery; it's a coming-of-age adventure that follows a young person's journey to seek, pursue, and ultimately discover their true identity.

Music director Li Biao pointed out that percussion is often the most accessible form of music for kids. To lean into that magic, the show features the Li Biao Percussion Group, in which professional musicians double as actors. This allows the audience to "see" the music as much as they hear it.

Over 50 authentic percussion instruments are featured on stage with percussion synthesizers providing 108 additional electronic tones, creating a mesmerizing and immersive digital soundscape.

"This is the first children's musical—both in China and globally—to feature a percussion ensemble as its core. We see it as a high-caliber show and a lively, engaging music lesson for young audiences," music director Li Biao said.

The production is a major cultural milestone, brought to life through a partnership between the theatre, the People's Government of Xiuzhou district (Jiaxing city, Zhejiang province), the Jiangsu Centre for the Performing Arts, and the Baotou Art Theatre (Inner Mongolia autonomous region).