Hua Mu Lan

Departing from the Yellow River at dawn,
Arriving at the Black Mountain by dusk.
No sound of parents calling for their daughter,
Only the cries of nomadic horsemen at Yan Mountain.
— “The Ballad of Mu Lan”

Following the well-received “The Warlords” in 2022, Ding Yi Music Company and theatre director Danny Yeo join forces once again to present an instrumental theatre production, “Hua Mu Lan”, blending literature, Chinese chamber music and drama.

During the Wei, Jin, and Northern and Southern Dynasties, the Wei and Rouran nations were at war for over a hundred years, causing endless suffering and devastation. In a world torn by chaos and strife, the people faced great hardships. To save her father, Hua Mu Lan boldly defied his orders and enlisted in the army in his place. She then courageously defied the emperor’s commands, continuing to fight for her father’s honour.

Amidst the ravages of war, how will Hua Mu Lan hold on to her humanity? How can she extinguish the flames of battle and stop the cycle of violence? In these turbulent times, how do we uphold humanity and our conscience?

Combining original compositions of Chinese chamber music and theatre, let us re-examine the meaning of war, reflecting on female identity, and re-interpreting the legendary story of a modern-day Mu Lan.

This production is jointly presented with the Singapore Chinese Cultural Centre.

Creative Team
Conductor: Wong De Li, Dedric
Director: Danny Yeo
Composer: Sulwyn Lok
Playwright: Neo Hai Bin
Yangqin: Tan Jie Qing
Actress: Jodi Chan