The Wellesley’s programme of LIVE events in February provides audience with a chance to see the Royal Ballet’s new production of ‘Don Quixote’ which has been adapted by Cuban star, Carlos Acosta.
The ballet of Don Quixote is a much-loved 19th century classic. With a plot loosely based on an episode from Miguel de Cervantes’ novel and an score by Ludwig Minkus, it has long been acclaimed as a feel-good fiesta of virtuoso dance and character comedy.
‘Don Quixote’ follows the chivalrous adventures of the lead character – a bumbling, delusional knight – and his loyal squire, Sancho Panza.
In Barcelona, Don Quixote and Sancho Panza encounter Kitri and Basilio, a young couple who cannot be together because Kitri’s father is determined to marry her off to the wealthy Gamache. Determined to help the lovers, Don Quixote takes it upon himself to intervene.
The story has inspired numerous balletic renderings, but the most popular is the three-act version devised, and subsequently revised, by Marius Petipa.
Former Royal Ballet Principal Guest Artist, Carlos Acosta who retired two years ago, is returning as guest coach to a ballet he knows well from his own performances. Setting out to showcase the flamboyance and technical brilliance of the whole cast, Acosta retains Petipa’s original choreography but adding his own energetic sequences to bring the sunshine and spirit of Spain to the stage.
He has created brand new choreography for the gypsy scene in the Act Two, adding Spanish guitarists and cries of ‘Olé’ to the scene – and his Don Quixote rides a life-sized puppet horse.
The ballet’s premier is on 15th February. The LIVE transmission to cinemas around the world stars Japanese Principal Dancer Akana Takada as Kitri and Alexander Campbell as Don Quixote.
Audiences at last week’s transmission of the National Theatre’s production of ‘I’m Not Running’ which failed during the play’s interval due to the snowstorm over the South West peninsular can use their refunds for ‘Don Quixote’.
‘Don Quixote’ is transmitted LIVE from The Royal Opera House on Tuesday 19 February at 7.15pm. Further details from The Wellesley Cinema’s website.