
Cast
Prologue
In the silence of his home, Don Quixote, an aging and dreamy nobleman, spends his days immersed in chivalric tales. Fascinated by the heroism of knights, he relives through their pages the glory of bygone times. Exhausted, he falls asleep, and his dream transforms into a luminous vision: a magical realm where graceful dryads glide through delicate dances, and at their center appears the enchanting figure of Dulcinea – the symbol of ideal beauty. Upon awakening, the image does not fade. Convinced that destiny calls him to great deeds, he mounts his dream with armor and determination and sets out on his journey, accompanied by his loyal squire, the good-natured and pragmatic Sancho Panza.
Act I
In a sun-drenched square, in front of Lorenzo’s inn, life bursts with joy. Among the lively crowd stand out Kitri, the innkeeper’s spirited daughter, and Basilio, the barber who loves her dearly, sharing their affection through vibrant, fiery dance. But her father has other plans: he dreams of marrying her to the wealthy, yet ridiculous, Camacho. Kitri firmly rejects this idea, provoking laughter and whispers among the townsfolk.
Amidst the merriment enter the toreadors, led by the gallant Espada and the beautiful Mercedes. Their passionate dance ignites the crowd, filling the air with festive fervor. At that moment, Don Quixote and Sancho Panza arrive: their entrance draws curiosity and astonishment. Sancho becomes the target of jokes and playful tricks, while Don Quixote, captivated by Kitri, sees in her the image of his dream Dulcinea. Kneeling before her, he gallantly invites her to dance, as a wandering knight might do.
Meanwhile, Sancho steals an enormous fish, but Lorenzo catches him in the act. Taking advantage of the ensuing commotion, Kitri and Basilio escape. Furious, Lorenzo, accompanied by Camacho, sets off in pursuit. Believing he witnesses a tale worthy of his beloved romances, Don Quixote vows to protect the lovers and joins their flight, with Sancho following faithfully.
Act II
In a lively tavern on the outskirts of town, the atmosphere is ablaze: Espada and Mercedes set the hall alight with their fiery, passionate dance. Kitri and Basilio enter, thrilled to have eluded their pursuers, if only for a moment. But their relief is short-lived — Lorenzo and Camacho catch up with them, determined to seal Kitri’s engagement to the wealthy suitor.
In a desperate move, Basilio pretends to take his own life. Kitri weeps bitterly, and Don Quixote, recognizing in her sorrow the nobility of his dreamed Dulcinea, becomes indignant. Confronting Lorenzo with sword in hand, he compels him to bless the union of the two lovers. At the very moment the marriage is pronounced, Basilio rises unharmed, and love triumphs in an outburst of collective joy.
Act III
In the grand square, the town dons its festive attire: Kitri and Basilio unite their destinies in a celebration of love and dance. Espada and Mercedes dazzle with their fiery flair, while the newlyweds display their brilliance in a scintillating pas de deux — an apotheosis of passion and youth.
Amid the revelry, Don Quixote feels deep within his soul that he has defended love and justice like a true knight of ideals. He bids farewell to the couple, blessing their happiness, and sets forth once more with faithful Sancho Panza, in search of new adventures.
Conductor: Oleksiy Baklan, Ukraine - Poland
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.