WANNEROO actor Evan Bishop has the task of playing two polarising roles in an upcoming youth production of Mulan Jr.
Based on the Disney tale, it tells of Mulan who disguises as a boy to spare her father from having to serve in the army.
When the Huns invade, it is up to the misfit Mulan and her mischievous sidekick Mushu to save the emperor.
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READ NOWBishop will play the evil Hun Chieftain Shan-Yu as well as Mulan’s father Fa Zhou.
“Shan-Yu is a new type of character for me as I have never played a villain before,” he said.
“But I’m enjoying getting to play a more aggressive and ominous character.
“Fa Zhou is a much calmer character who creates a severe contrast between my roles.
“He’s a new type of character for me too, being quite cool, collected and formal.”
The Duncraig Senior High School student said he chose to be a part of the show because he knew it was going to be fun.
“It’s a story of honour, of breaking social norms and expectations to do what you want to do and/or need to do,” he said.
Director Jayde Clark said the kids she was working with were “sensational, incredibly talented and so hard working”.
“The first month of rehearsal, the cast would come in and sit down in complete silence and not say a word to each other; they were so nervous,” she said.
“Now it is so amazing to see all the friendships that develop and how they help and support each other to learn or remember what is happening as we have a cast age range from eight to 18 years.”
She said Mulan was her favourite Disney movie.
“I love the story about a woman empowering herself to be equal to men in her life, even though she may go about it a different way,” she said.
“And the music is fun and catchy.”
Mulan Jr is about one-hour long and is ideal for ages four and up.
It plays at Phoenix Theatre in Hamilton Hill at 8pm on March 9, 10, 15-17, 22-24 and 2pm on March 10, 24.
Tickets at www.phoenixtheatreinc.com.au.
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