Don Quixote
Ballet in three acts
| Production and Choreography Carlos Acosta after Marius Petipa |
| Music Ludwig Minkus |
| Arranged and Orchestrated by Martin Yates |
| Designer Tim Hatley |
| Lighting Designer Hugh Vanstone |
Don Quixote is one of Marius Petipa's much-loved 19th-century classics - its story is drawn from Miguel de Cervantes's classic novel and set to Ludwig Minkus's score. The ballet has long been acclaimed for its virtuoso dancing, beautiful and technically demanding 'vision scene' and the famously bravura and breathtaking Act III pas de deux.
Carlos Acosta's production was created for The Royal Ballet in 2013, and brings the sunshine of Spain and the exuberance of the entire Company to the stage. Acosta created new choreography for the gypsy scene in Act II, and uniquely for this production of Don Quixote added on-stage musicians. Warmth, charm and entertainment abound in this energetic and witty ballet, reflected too in the characterful backdrops of Tim Hatley's vibrant designs.
https://www.roh.org.uk/productions/don-quixote-by-carlos-acosta
Don Quixote and his servant Sancho Panza set out to have a chivalrous adventure. They meet Kitri and Basilio, a young couple who cannot marry because Kitri's father is determined to marry her off to the wealthy Gamache. Don Quixote decides to intervene.
With Don Quixote's help, Kitri and Basilio convince her father to let them marry. Don Quixote also persuades Gamache that he would prefer to marry the barmaid anyway. Kitri and Basilio celebrate, and everyone cheers Don Quixote on his way.
https://www.roh.org.uk/productions/don-quixote-by-carlos-acosta
photos: Bill Cooper / ROH, Johan Persson / ROH
Carlos Acosta Production and Choreography
Carlos Acosta was born in Havana. He trained at the National Ballet School of Cuba and won the Gold Medal at the Prix de Lausanne (1990). He has danced with many of the leading ballet companies in the world, including English National Ballet, National Ballet of Cuba and Houston Ballet. He joined The Royal Ballet in 1998 and became a Principal Guest Artist in 2003. He has staged several shows across Europe featuring both classical and contemporary repertory, including his own choreography and the work of choreographers from his native Cuba. Shows for Sadler's Wells include the successful semi-autobiographical Tocororo - a Cuban Tale in 2004.
