Don Quixote
Don Quixote / Photo: Erik Berg
Impressive ballet for the entire family
See the Norwegian National Ballet dancers shine in Don Quixote – a Spanish-inspired classical ballet that is technically demanding, a bit silly and packed with romance and warmth.
The anti-hero Don Quixote heads out into the world to do good knightly deeds, but soon becomes entangled in the love story of Kitri and Basilio. Rudolf Nurejev’s ballet based on Miguel de Cervantes’ famous novel is bursting with excitement, love, utter nonsense and above all... impressive dance!
Read the articleFamous ballet from ballet legends
Don Quixote is one of the best-known classical ballet performances that is danced by the world’s greatest companies. The Norwegian National Ballet’s version was created by the legendary dancer Rudolf Nureyev based on Marius Petipa’s original from 1869. The choreography in Don Quixote was Nureyev’s most personal signature as both a dancer and choreographer. His version of Don Quixote is considered the most intricate and technically demanding one. The dance legend continues to challenge new generations of dancers to this very day, just as he challenged himself.
Read the articleA gala performance that is both entertaining and beautiful
Vårt land, 2009
Heroes and anti-heroes
In a scene with swinging skirts, fans and the Spanish sun, we meet our quick-witted heroine Kitri and her sweetheart Basilio. When Kitri’s father refuses to accept their relationship, they run away and get into trouble – but luckily, the self-proclaimed knight Don Quixote and his loyal squire Sancho Panza come to their rescue.
The music is one of Ludwig Minkus’ most popular works and, of course, is performed by the Opera Orchestra!
- Free introduction (in Norwegian) one hour before the performance
- As part of the ballet Don Quixote, there is a scene previously referred to as the “gypsy scene”. The official term in Norway today is Roma, and we have therefor, in collaboration with the Rudolf Nureyev Foundation, changed the terminology. We have also worked on role interpretation and subtext in this scene. In ballet we mostly dance fictional characters, however, raising awareness of history, representation and stereotypes is important to us. How we relate to the legacy of classical ballet, and works created in another era, is an ongoing and important discussion. We want everyone to feel welcome with us at the Norwegian Opera and Ballet!