Ballet telling the story behind much-loved Disney film coming to York

The Ballad of Mulan (Image: Malcolm Tam)

A BALLET which retells the story of the Chinese folk hero behind a much loved Disney film is coming to York this September.

The Ballad of Mulan will be performed at York Theatre Royal’s Studio on September 12 at 7.45pm and September 13 at 2pm and 7.45pm.

The play explores the real story behind the legend of Hua Mulan, who disguised herself as a man to join the Chinese army.

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Commissioned by and starring Yorkshire born British-Chinese actress Michelle Yim, the production has been supported by Arts Council England.

A spokesman for York Theatre Royal said: "Woman, warrior, legend. For ten years Mulan disguised as a man, has fought for the Chinese Empire.

"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."

Hua Mulan

(Image: Ross Ericson)

The play is produced by Grist to the Mill in collaboration with British East Asian theatre company Red Dragonfly Productions - the team behind the sell-out Edinburgh Fringe show The Unknown Soldier.

Tickets are available via the York Theatre Royal box office or online at yorktheatreroyal.co.uk