Hong Kong Dance Company Brings THE LEGEND OF MULAN to Lincoln Center in First U.S. Outing, Beginning Tonight

For the first time outside of China (Asia), the Hong Kong Dance Company (HKDC) brings to the stage an inspiring re-telling of the household folktale of love, peace and virtue in a dance drama, "The Legend Of Mulan." It will be performed at the David H. Koch Theater (Lincoln Center) tonight, March 5 - 8, 2015.

The spectacular production is presented by The China Arts & Entertainment Group (CAEG), a creative enterprise under the administration of the Ministry of Culture for the People's Republic of China. The engagement is the fourth production in an ongoing relationship between CAEG and the David H. Koch Theater. These presentations showcase China's historical contribution to the world of theater and art by presenting the finest in Chinese contemporary and classical performing arts to the United States.

Mulan is the legendary figure from ancient China who was originally presented in a Chinese poem known as the Ballad of Mulan dating to the fifth century. Mulan, a peasant girl, disguised herself as a man to join the army in place of her aged father. She fought for a decade and gained much respect. She gave up a position at court and retired to her hometown instead. Traditional Chinese virtues are examplified through the unusual adventures and touching story of Mulan, who shows extraordinary courage when it comes to protecting her country and family. A heroine with moral courage and intelligence, Mulan's exceptional wisdom and vision transcend fame and fortune.

Over time, the story of Mulan rose in popularity as a folktale and became widely taught in schools. It has also inspired a number of screen and stage adaptations, including an animated Disney movie released in 1998.

The creative staff of the production includes: Director & Choreographer - Yang Yuntao, Playwright - Gerard C C Tsang, Assistant Choreographer - Xie Yin, Music Director and Composer - Matthew Ma, Set Designer - Yuen Hon-wai, Costume Designer - Karin Chiu, Lighting Designer - Yeung Tsz-yan, Digital Image Designer - John Wong, and Lyricist - Chris Shum.

Since its inception, the Hong Kong Dance Company has staged over 100 productions, many of which were highly popular with critical acclaim. Recent productions include Qingming Riverside; The Smiling, Proud Wanderer; Snow Fox; Eagle Companions; Two Swallows -- Ode to Wu Guanzhong; Spring Ritual?Eulogy; Plateau Bluebells; Feng Shui, The Legend of Mulan and The Butterfly Lovers. The company was established with the aim of promoting Chinese dance. In was incorporated in 2001 as a charitable and non-profit institution, and is financially supported by the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. They have toured internationally as well as around Mainland China as a way to encourage cultural exchange. The Company was invited to perform at the "Meet in Beijing 2008" Arts Festival at the Olympics and In 2009 performed at the opening ceremony of the East Asian Games. In 2010, the Company participated in "The Ninth China Art Festival" in Guangzhou, and the World Expo in Shanghai. In 2013, the company performed in Toronto. Spring Ritual * Eulogy received the 2013 Hong Kong Dance Award for Outstanding Achievement in Production. It was presented in Beijing in September 2013 and in Taipei in the "Hong Kong Week 2013".

The China Arts and Entertainment Group (CAEG), the first large publicly-owned cultural enterprise, was inaugurated after the merger of the China Performing Arts Agency (CPAA) and the China International Exhibition Agency, as a major step to transform Chinese culture and art institutions into modern enterprises. They are under the auspice of the Ministry of Culture, undertaking cultural exchange projects to promote and enhance Chinese culture in other countries. CAEG annually runs more than 5,000 shows, exhibitions and comprehensive cultural activities in hundreds of cities, regions, and in countries around the world.

Performances of "The Legend Of Mulan" by the Hong Kong Dance Company will be Thursday, March 5 - Saturday, March 7, 8pm and Sunday, March 8 at 1pm. Tickets are: $22, $37, $57, $77, $107, & premium seats $167 plus a $3 facility charge. Tickets will soon be on sale. For more information, visit davidhkochtheater.com.