There is a lot to be said about historical figures that in their own quiet way made a difference to the world they lived in at the time. General Mulan was one of them. Prior to Disney's famous version of her tale, Barbara Streisand's Yentil had well publicised media comparisons to Mulan due to disguising herself as a boy to get by in the world. You could say that this idea has been around a long time thanks to Shakespeare's Twelfth Night and for some it may be an overdone dramatic plot today. The Ballad of Mulan sets out to dispel the myths behind the real woman who deliberately went against her own culture and upbringing in order to protect the country she loved dearly.
The Ballad of Mulan is an early Brighton Fringe gem that is to be explored and enjoyed.
Michelle Yim plays the enigmatic Mulan with such energy and vibrance, that you forget you are in in the middle of Regency Square in Brighton. Instead, using a simple set of a traditional war spear Mulan would have used, a low wooden table and chair, with a bowl of noodles and a bottle on it, complimented with a black backdrop that has red Chinese writing, which emerges with verbal translations as the show progresses, we are transported with force onto the battlefield. The detail that goes into this production is immaculate. From her traditional war outfit, to her hair in a high bun, to the extremely well designed and applied facial scars. Accompanied by an extremely well researched, insightful and humourous script, Yim embodies Mulan fully. We feel like we are in the presence of the great general herself as she reveals in her quiet reflective moments what life was really like for someone like her.
Yim easily transitions between her time on the battlefield, training and living conditions with the army well, occasionally allowing us to see the rebel Mulan actually was, leading up to her leaving home. This is done with a charming intensity that draws us in to Mulan's reality. Yim is also not afraid to show how vulnerable Mulan was despite her tough exterior; especially as it is made clear that her childhood was one that many people would have dreamed of. Born into a family that was highly respected in their community with a close relationship with a war hero father, who taught her to stand up for herself. On the surface, Mulan had everything. The reality was that she was not happy and wanted more from life. Yim captures her spirit here well, as well as on the battlefield demonstrating some of the hard truths of how to use a spear, nearly getting crushed to death and more. The way she takes us on a journey never breaking the fourth wall is mesmerising, exciting and equally sensitively handled, and leaves us wanting more.
The Ballad of Mulan is an early Brighton Fringe gem that is to be explored and enjoyed. If you love history and strong women, this performance is for you.
