new "Don Quixote"
Hidalgo of La Mancha
ballet in three acts
music by Ludwig Minkus
Cast
Artistic Director of the Mikhailovsky Ballet Nacho Duato in his production “Hidalgo of La Mancha” brought the plot as close as possible to the famous novel by Cervantes and presented a new image of Spain — in the choreography, costumes and stage design of the production.
The plot of the new production is set in La Mancha, the homeland of Don Quixote. The inhabitants of La Mancha have a very specific way of dressing, dancing and even behaving — quite unlike what we have seen in any typical “Don Quixote” around the world.
Inspired by the canvases of the Spanish artist Julio Romero de Torres, stage designer Jaffar Chalabi recreated authentic Castilian landscapes on the stage. Designer Angelina Atlagic in her costumes paid tribute to the Spanish fashion of the 16th century.
Nacho Duato reinvented the folk scenes of the ballet and carefully treated the classical episodes. One of the main surprises for the audience was the interpretation of Sancho Panza, who became an important character. The eternal plot has received a new life, and the great hidalgo of La Mancha continues his way on the ballet stage.
Act one
A noble hidalgo from La Mancha comes up with the idea of becoming a wandering knight, to roam the world and root out all kinds of injustices. He chooses a name befitting a knight, Don Quixote, and, accompanied by his squire Sancho Panza, sets off in search of adventure.
In a neighbouring village Don Quixote and Sancho Panza see preparations for a wedding: the beautiful Quiteria is to marry the wealthy Camacho, by the will of her father Lorenzo. But the beauty’s heart belongs to the poor Basilio. Realising that the wedding of Quiteria and Camacho is inevitable, the lovers flee, and the unfortunate groom goes in search of them.
Quiteria and Basilio hide in a tavern, but Camacho finds them — the wedding is inevitable. In front of everyone, Basilio plunges a knife into his heart. He declares to the priest that he will not confess before his death until Quiteria gives him her hand. Don Quixote persuades Lorenzo to agree to the marriage. After the engagement, Basilio immediately comes back to life.
Act two
A gypsy camp is set up in a meadow. Don Quixote mistakes the gypsies for evil wizards and the windmills for giants, and engages in an unequal battle with them.
Exhausted, Don Quixote and Sancho Panza continue their journey through the forest. To the noble knight, the forest seems populated with strange and frightening creatures. He imagines that he has finally met his lady love, the beautiful Dulcinea, surrounded by dryads. And Cupid, who accompanies her, seems very familiar to him....
Act three
Everything is ready to celebrate the wedding of Quiteria and Basilio. The valiant knight is the guest of honour.
Premiere of the production: 14 October 2022
- Staging and choreographyNacho Duato
- Stage DesignerJaffar Chalabi
- Costume DesignerAngelina Atlagic
- Lighting DesignerBrad Fields
- Musical director of the productionPavel Sorokin
