Program Don Quixote

The work, first performed by Marius Petipa in Moscow's Bolshoi Imperial Theatre in 1869 with a composition by Ludwig Minkus, is one of the most dazzling and magnificent works of classical ballet, with its rich melodies and the harmonious unity of the colorful and exciting influence of Spanish culture.

Olga Pango direction and choreography (AFTER M. PETIPA)

Subject of the Work:

Don Quixote, obsessed with medieval tales of chivalry, decides to become a knight-errant and sets off for the city with his squire Sancho Panza. He dreams of Dulcinea, whose love he wants to win.

The innkeeper Lorenzo wants to marry his daughter Kitri to the wealthy Gamache. Kitri, however, loves Basilio. Meanwhile, Don Quixote and Sancho Panza arrive in the city. The moment Don Quixote sees Kitri, he thinks he's finally found Dulcinea. Amidst the festivities in the square, Kitri and Basilio manage to escape with the help of their friends Espada and Mercedes. Don Quixote and Sancho Panza follow them. Gamache and Lorenzo immediately set off in pursuit of the couple.

Don Quixote and Sancho Panza discover that the escaped couple has taken refuge in a gypsy camp. Everyone is captivated by the night's romantic atmosphere. Don Quixote drifts off into a reverie and realizes that Kitri actually loves Basilio. Suddenly, a storm breaks out. Don Quixote attacks a windmill, miserably mistaking it for a monster. However, in the ensuing battle, he collapses miserably and passes out.

Don Quixote is immersed in a magical dream, and images of extraordinary beauty flash before his eyes. He sees Kitri again as Dulcinea. With the break of dawn, Sancho Panza spots Kitri and Basilio escaping from the Gypsy Camp and immediately awakens Don Quixote. Lorenzo and Gamache arrive at the camp at that moment and ask them about Kitri. Don Quixote, sympathetic to the young lovers, deliberately misleads Lorenzo and Gamache. However, Sancho Panza unconsciously guides the couple on the right path.

Despite their attempts to hide, Kitri and Basilio are eventually caught. Lorenzo asks his daughter to reciprocate Gamache's affections. Meanwhile, Basilio creates a fake suicide scene. When Kitri realizes it's a ruse, she tells Don Quixote she wants to marry Basilio and asks him to convince Lorenzo of the matter. Suddenly, Basilio comes back to life! Everyone leaves enthusiastically for the wedding preparations.

The crowd celebrates the couple's marriage. Don Quixote is also happy that they are getting married. He bids them a heartfelt farewell and sets off on his way to new adventures.