Ballet in three acts with prologue (1981)
Inspired by the choreography of Marius Petipa and set to Minkus’ spirited score, Rudolf Nureyev’s spectacular ballet is no less than a festival of dance, joyously shining the limelight on the soloists and Corps de Ballet in a wide variety of ensembles and pas de deux.
The ballet recounts the adventures of Cervantes’ 17th-century titular dreamer and his neighbour Sancho Panza as they ride across the Spanish countryside. When they encounter two lovers – Kitri and Basilio (étoiles Sae Eun Park and Paul Marque) – Don Quixote is determined to help keep them together, and after battling windmills and crossing paths with Cupid, Dulcinea and the Queen of the Dryads, it’s he who delivers the happy dénouement.
Elena Rivkina's shimmering costumes and Alexandre Beliaev's colourful sets sublimate a vivacious and delightfully entertaining work.
Opéra de Paris guidance: Content suitable for ages 5+.
