THE ROYAL BALLET
Director
Founder
Founder Choreographer
Founder Music Director
Prima Ballerina Assoluta
The Royal Opera House Principals Julia and Hans Rausing
Generous philanthropic support from Aud Jebsen, Yleana Arce Foundation, Doug and Ceri King, Charles Holloway, The Friends Of Covent Garden and The Royal Opera House Endowment Fund
The 2023/24 Royal Ballet Season generously supported by Aud Jebsen
Don Quixote
BALLET IN THREE ACTS
14.10.2023 13:00
APPROXIMATE TIMINGS
GUIDANCE
Children under the age of five are not permitted into our auditoria. Children over age five must have their own ticket and sit next to an accompanying adult. Don Quixote features flashing lights in Act II.
CREDITS
CAST
Townspeople, Matadors, Gypsies, Dryads Artists of The Royal Ballet, Students of The Royal Ballet School
Students of The Royal Ballet School appear by kind permission of the Artistic Director Christopher Powney
SYNOPSIS
ACT I
Don Quixote reads a book of adventures and becomes deluded, believing that he is the successor of the medieval knights-errant, on a quest to serve his imaginary Lady, Dulcinea. He sets out with Sancho Panza. They meet Kitri, who is in love with Basilio, a poor barber. Her father Lorenzo wishes her to marry the foppish nobleman Gamache. Kitri and Basilio run away together to get married. Lorenzo and Gamache set out in pursuit, followed by Don Quixote and Sancho Panza.
INTERVAL
ACT II
Kitri and Basilio find themselves surrounded by gypsies who suspect they have come to steal from them. Lorenzo and Gamache arrive followed by Don Quixote and Sancho Panza. Don Quixote mistakes a windmill for a monster and goes on the attack with disastrous results. Half unconscious from his injuries, Don Quixote falls into a dream-filled sleep in which he is transported to a magic garden, where he meets the Queen of the Dryads.
INTERVAL
ACT III
Lorenzo and Gamache find Kitri and Basilio in a local tavern. Lorenzo is determined to see Kitri married to Gamache. Basilio pretends to stab himself in jealous despair, while Kitri implores Don Quixote for help. Don Quixote forces Lorenzo to bless the lovers, convinced that Basilio is dying. Basilio makes a miraculous recovery – their scheme has worked. The entire town celebrates the wedding of Kitri and Basilio. Don Quixote realizes that he must continue his quest and sets out once more to perform deeds of chivalry.
THE ROYAL BALLET
Music Director
Resident Choreographer
Artistic Associate
Administrative Director
Rehearsal Director
Clinical Director Ballet Healthcare
DIGITAL CAST SHEETS
We are working hard on our commitment towards becoming more sustainable and are striving for our net zero goal of 2035. By using digital cast sheets and e-tickets, we have reduced our paper consumption by over five tonnes per year. You can view our digital cast sheets on a computer, tablet or smartphone by scanning the QR codes displayed around the building using your smartphone’s camera app. They are also displayed on screens outside the auditoria. Cast sheets are generously supported by the Royal Opera House Endowment Fund.
GUIDELINES
Photography and filming are prohibited during performances in any of our auditoriums. You are welcome to take pictures throughout the rest of the building and before performances and share them with us through social media. Commercial photography and filming must be agreed in advance with our press team.
Larger bags and backpacks need to be check into our complimentary cloakrooms. Unattended bags may be removed.
Please do not place any personal belongings on the ledges in front of you.
Only bottled water and ice cream purchased from the premises can be taken into the auditorium.
If you arrive late to the auditorium or leave during a performance, you will not be allowed back to your seat until the interval or a suitable break.
Smoking and vaping are not permitted anywhere on the premises.
The safety of our visitors, staff and artists is still our priority. To help us provide a comfortable experience for everyone, please be mindful of others and their personal space.
Our staff are committed to treating everyone with dignity and respect and we ask that you show them and your fellow audience members respect too. We adopt a zero-tolerance approach in response to anyone who interacts with our staff or with fellow audience members in an intimidating, aggressive or threatening manner.
SUPPORT OUR ONGOING RECOVERY
We are so glad to welcome our artists back to our theatres to perform for you the opera and ballet you love. During the pandemic we lost £3 in every £5 of our income and we continue to feel the impact as we recover. Sustaining the future of ballet and opera has never been so important. Please consider making a donation to the Royal Opera House community today and help support the future of ballet and opera.