On June 21, 22, 23 NOVAT is presenting Don Quixote ballet premiere. One of the brightest and most festive productions of the world repertoire that never lost its cheerfulness, humour and juvenile ardour throughout its sesquicentennial history, will be presented in a new version.
Don Quixote ballet production with music by Ludwig Minkus was originally staged by Marius Petipa in 1869; in the beginning of the XX century it was revised by Alexander Gorsky. Passionate dances with Spanish national colour and classical pas of immense difficulty are not intended to retell the famous work by Miguel Cervantes; only one episode of the original work of literature was used in the ballet — the story of failed wedding of a young beauty and a rich nobleman, to whom she had preferred a quick-witted barber.
Don Quixote premiered in the Novosibirsk opera and ballet theatre in 1954 and remained in the repertoire up until now. It has always been popular with the audience and still brings pleasure to theatre-goers. Various productions of the old-time ballet were being performed in the Theatre at different times; Sergey Vikharev’s production remained in the repertoire for more than 10 years.
This time Don Quixote revised by Mikhail Messerer will be introduced to the audience. The distinguished ballet pedagogue and classical heritage cognoscente draws in his production on experience of several generations of choreographers. Set and costume designs for the premiere are being manufactured exclusively for NOVAT under tactful guidance of stage designer Vyacheslav Okunev. Lighting plot is being created by Alexander Kibitkin.
On June 21 and 23 the part of Basil will be performed by world ballet stage star Ivan Vasiliev. «Don Quixote is a special ballet for me, since it began my ballet career, — the dancer says. — I perform it worldwide; one can say that it is my «trademark». My debut on the Novosibirsk opera and ballet theatre stage was this part precisely. I am always glad to come to Novosibirsk for there are great audience, excellent Ballet Company and wonderful Theatre.»
Stars of NOVAT Anna Zharova, Anna Germizeeva and Roman Polkovnikov will participate in premiere performances. Conductor — Karen Durgaryan.