by InTrieste
Cervantes’ timeless tale of adventure, romance, and whimsy will leap onto the stage at the Teatro Verdi this season, reimagined in a vibrant new production of Don Quixote. Choreographed by Denis Matvienko and directed by Renato Zanella, this ballet promises a dazzling fusion of tradition and modernity, bringing one of classical dance’s most demanding works to life with flair and elegance.
The production, which garnered thunderous acclaim in Ljubljana, is a collaboration between the SNG Opera and Ballet Ljubljana and the Fondazione Teatro Lirico Giuseppe Verdi di Trieste. Featuring a young, international company with dancers from 11 nations, this Don Quixote breathes fresh energy into Aloisius Ludwig Minkus’ celebrated score, conducted by Ayrton Desimpelaere. The Belgian maestro, a familiar figure in Trieste, deftly navigates the ballet’s vibrant rhythms and lyrical interludes, promising a performance as dynamic as the story itself.
At its heart, the ballet remains a tribute to Cervantes’ masterpiece, a novel beloved for its layers of humor, poignancy, and metaphor. The story follows the misadventures of the idealistic Don Quixote and his loyal squire, Sancho Panza, as they unwittingly influence the romance of Kitri and Basilio. This production heightens the narrative’s comedic charm, Spanish flair, and romantic drama with opulent costumes and vivid staging.
Zanella’s direction strips away dated elements to suit contemporary tastes, emphasizing dazzling choreography, fairy-tale spectacle, and moments of breathtaking difficulty. “We wanted to highlight the immediacy of the humor and the sheer visual brilliance of the work,” Zanella said in a statement.
Minkus, a composer shrouded in mystery, crafted a score that seamlessly blends romantic melodies with Spanish motifs, evoking the sun-drenched landscapes and passionate culture of Cervantes’ Spain. The result is a ballet that has captivated audiences for over a century, demanding technical excellence from both soloists and corps de ballet.
The principal cast includes Marin Ino and Erica Pinzano alternating as Kitri, Filip Jurič and Solomon Osazuva as Basilio, and Tomaž Horvat as the titular Don Quixote. Each performance promises to showcase the exceptional artistry of Ljubljana’s growing ballet company, led by Zanella, whose tenure in Vienna and beyond has made him a luminary in European dance.
After receiving standing ovations and multiple curtain calls in Slovenia, this production is poised to delight Trieste audiences with its vibrant energy and timeless appeal.
Performance Schedule:
- Saturday, November 30, 2024, at 8:00 PM
- Sunday, December 1, 2024, at 4:00 PM
- Tuesday, December 3, 2024, at 8:00 PM
- Wednesday, December 4, 2024, at 8:00 PM
- Thursday, December 5, 2024, at 8:00 PM
- Friday, December 6, 2024, at 6:00 PM
Whether you’re a seasoned ballet aficionado or a newcomer to the art form, Don Quixote promises to be a theatrical experience filled with joy, romance, and dazzling artistry.
