
Cast
ACT I
In the square, there is festive animation in the air. Kitri, daughter of the innkeeper Lorenzo, and the barber Basilio appear in the crowed. Finding them together Lorenzo, Kitri’s father, chases Basilio away: the barber is no fit match for his daughter. Lorenzo intends Kitri to marry Gamache, a rich nobleman. Kitri refuses outright to submit to her father’s will and together with Basilio decide to run away.
The crowd welcomes enthusiastically their lovers - toreadors. Among them there appears famous toreador Espado and his girlfriend, street dancer.
At the height of the merry-making, Don Quixote appears in the square, accompanied by his sword bearer, Sancho Panza.
The girls take the opportunity to make fun of chubby squire. Sancho Panza is playing the blind old woman game with the girls, and then folks threw him several times in the air. Sancho asks for help. The Knight sees Kitri being amazed by her beauty. Is she the one who appeared in his dreams? Bewitched, Don Quixote asks her to dance minuet together.
Meanwhile, Sancho Panza steals a fish and runs quietly. Lorenzo reach him. Kitri and Basilio run together, taking advantage of the situation. Lorenzo and Gamache being very angry went to catch the lovers. Don Quixote and Sancho Panza decide to help the fugitives.
ACT II
At the inn, people gather to party, among them are Espada and Mercedes. Kitri and Basilio join them once they have managed to escape from Lorenzo and Gamache.
Here they are found by Lorenzo, Gamache and Don Quixote, and Sancho. Lorenzo wishes to make an immediate announcement of the betrothal of Kitri and Gamache. Basilio, pretends to take his life. Kitri sobs over the body of her sweetheart. Don Quixote being resentful accuses Lorenzo of hardheartedness and, threatening him with his sword forces him to agree to his daughter’s marriage with the barber Basilio. Basilio miraculously recovers and he tells to everyone that it was a joke.
ACT III
In the square, there is taking place a great holiday: marriage of Kitri and Basilio.
Thanks knight Don Quixote! Young bride and groom dance in honor of the knight who helped to get married. Youth, love and goodness have finally won! Wishing a long life together, the knight moves on in search of new adventures.
International Opera and Ballet Festival "Maria Biesu",
31-st edition,
September 7 - 24, 2023
Conductor: Oleksiy Baklan, Ukraine
Special guests:
Conductor - Alexey Baklan, Ukraine
Quiteria - Nakashima Asami, Japan
Basilio - Omaki Yuya, Japan
libretto: Marius Petipa
After an episode of the famous novel "Don Quijote de la Mancha" by Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra
Choreography: Alexandr Gorski, according to the original version of Marius Petipa
Editor: Marat Gaziev
Scenography: Veaceslav Ocunev
Costume designer: Irina Press, Master of Arts
Artistic leader of the ballet troupe: Anastasia Homitcaia, People's Artist
World premiere: 14 december 1869, at The Bolshoi Theatre, Moscow
Premiere in Chisinau: 16 may 1986, at The State Academic Theater of Opera and Ballet of the Moldovan SSR.