GRIST TO THE MILL PRODUCTIONS
C U R R E N T P R O D U C T I O N S
Available for booking
The Ballad of Mulan
The real woman behind the Chinese Legend
Performed by Michelle Yim
Written and Directed by Ross Ericson
Music by Pearl Yim
Weapon and Armour by Philip Dell
Costume by Elizabeth Cooke
Woman, Warrior, Legend.
Michelle Yim ('The Empress and Me' and 'The Unforgettable Anna May Wong') brings to life the real Mulan who, to save her family's honour, disguised herself as a man and joined the Emperor's army, based on the Chinese legend that inspired Disney's original animation Mulan in 1998.
For ten years Mulan has kept her identity a secret. Now the fighting is coming to an end, one last battle and she will be going home – but how can she return to her old life, become a woman again, does she even want to? A search for identity in a violent world.
This is Michelle's third solo show and is developed with funding support from Arts Council England.
#BalladofMulan
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The Ballad of Mulan has visited:
Click here to Red Dragonfly Productions website for more details on tour venues.
Tour Schedule
Sat 1 Feb 2025 The Riverfront Theatre, Newport 7:30pm
(in celebration of Chinese New Year)
The Ballad of Mulan is tour-ready and available for booking 2025-2026.
Contact us for dates! Click here to Red Dragonfly Productions website for more details.
Reviews
'It’s a brilliant performance, thus proving that both Red Dragonfly and Grist to the Mill can reach and exceed the high bars they have set in previous years, and that there is always new wisdom to be found even in the oldest of stories.'
'Michelle Yim deserves a standing ovation! ...This is a true retelling of war...and as Mulan cries “I want to live” her survival instinct is incredible that one could say is a strong, empowered woman'
'Forget the Disney version – If you want to see a powerful performance by a great actress, and writer, go and see ‘Mulan’. Better still – take your daughter!'
'A powerful exploration of gender, war, and identity, as relevant and timely today as ever.'
'If you love history and strong women, this performance is for you.'
'A powerful and thought provoking piece, told beautifully and brutally with striking presence.'
'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.'
