Ballet Don Quixote to take Hanoi’s stage with local artists
For decades, this masterpiece has been admired for its seamless blend of dramatic storytelling and technical precision, as well as its elegant balance of humor and heartfelt emotion.
THE HANOI TIMES — Ranked among the top 10 most timeless classical ballets, Don Quixote will, for the first time, be performed entirely by Vietnamese artists from the Vietnam National Opera and Ballet (VNOB).
The ballet Don Quixote, originally choreographed by the legendary Marius Petipa, and the music was composed by Ludwig Minkus, premiered at the Bolshoi Ballet in Moscow on December 26, 1869.
Artist Cao Chi Thanh, one of the most prominent figures in Vietnamese ballet, will play the central character, Don Quixote, in the classical ballet. Photo: VNOB
For decades, this masterpiece has captivated audiences worldwide by its elegant balance of humor and heartfelt emotion.
"However, audiences in Vietnam have not yet had the opportunity to experience this great work in its original form, as envisioned by the renowned choreographer Marius Petipa. Therefore, VNOB is honored to bring this ballet to the Ho Guom Theatre stage on June 27 and 28," said Meritorious Artist and VNOB Director Phan Manh Duc.
Inspired by Spanish writer Cervantes’ celebrated novel of the same name, the ballet takes audiences on an enchanting journey between dream and reality as seen through the eyes of the idealistic knight Don Quixote.
Don Quixote embodies romantic idealism, living in a fantastical realm where love and bravery are revered above all else.
Beyond the central love story between Kitri and Basilio, Don Quixote unfolds with a refined artistic structure in which the character of Don Quixote serves as a lyrical bridge between the tangible and the imagined.
Meritorious Artist Phan Luong, who has been with the VNOB for over 20 years, rising from soloist to head of ballet, returns to the stage as Gamache in Don Quixote.
This delicate interplay between fantasy and reality gives the ballet its unique charm, transforming Don Quixote into a compelling performance and a profound artistic reflection on aspiration, illusion, and the pursuit of happiness.
"We are well aware of the many challenges ahead, whether in casting, scheduling, or financing. However, driven by our mission to bring world-class art to Vietnamese audiences, the VNOB is committed to presenting 'Don Quixote' with the highest standards of excellence," said Meritorious Artist Phan Manh Duc.
The production brings together nearly 60 dancers and more than 60 musicians from the VNOB Symphony Orchestra, supported by a highly dedicated creative and production team.
Notably, the ballet will feature multiple generations of Vietnamese ballet artists. The performance is co-directed by Meritorious Artist Luu Thu Lan and Pham Minh, Director of La Salle Dance School in France. Under the baton of the "magic wand."
Dong Quang Vinh, the VNOB Symphony Orchestra will infuse Don Quixote with its most stirring and evocative melodies.
