His choreography Tiago Bordín is based on his classic choreography Marius Petipa, which premiered in 1869 at the Bolshoi. For seven performances, from November 26 to December 31, 2022, at the Stavros Niarchos Hall of National Opera of Greece at the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center, under the musical direction of Stathis Souli, sets Giorgos Souglidis and her outfits Mary Katrantzou. This production is made possible with the support of a grant from the Stavros Niarchos Foundation (SNF) to strengthen the Greek National Opera’s artistic outreach.
Don Quixote is one of the most important and popular works in the classical ballet repertoire. Set to Minkus’s unique music, the choreography tells a timeless story of the lofty ideals of chivalry, combining comic and romantic elements. It is one of the most demanding ballets in the repertoire and is considered a major challenge for classical dancers, due to its high degree of technical difficulty, as the way it is performed determines the overall quality of a ballet company. It is no coincidence that it has become a common saying in the world of classical dance that «a company capable of performing *Don Quixote* correctly is capable of dancing anything.» This work has been a source of inspiration for many choreographers and dancers around the world, and it is staged every year at most opera houses across the globe. Don Quixote is based on episodes from the famous novel by Miguel de Cervantes (1547–1616), which was published in two volumes, in 1605 and 1615, respectively.
The ballet’s plot is drawn primarily from the second volume and focuses on the tempestuous love affair between Kitéria—Kitrí in the ballet—and the barber Basilio. The adventures of Don Quixote and his squire Sancho Panza take a back seat. The Austrian composer Ludwig Minkus studied music in Vienna and, by the age of twenty, was already playing the violin, composing, and conducting orchestras. A few years after emigrating to Russia, he was appointed inspector of the orchestras of the imperial theaters in Moscow. He composed music for several ballets, some of which were choreographed by Petipa. Marius Petipa traveled to Spain at a young age, where he was particularly captivated by its traditional dances. In his *Don Quixote*, Petipa attempts to convey the imagery and colors of Spain, masterfully rendering its dance tradition through his choreography. The result of the collaboration between Minkus – Petipa collaboration was an enormous success from the very beginning, resulting in the establishment of *Don Quixote* as a timeless masterpiece of the global ballet repertoire.
Regarding the new production of *Don Quixote*, the Director of the Greek National Opera Ballet Konstantinos Rigos selected internationally renowned artists, including the choreographer Tiago Bordín to revive Petipa's classic choreography, the internationally renowned Greek set designer George Souglidis for the set design and the famous Greek fashion designer Mary Katrantzou for the costumes. Joining them is the Eirini Vianelli in the design of the animation and the Christos Tziogas on the lights.
The dancer and choreographer Tiago Bordín Following his highly successful career as a principal dancer with the Hamburg Ballet—where the great John Neumeier even created roles specifically for him— as well as at the Nederlands Dans Theater, he has established himself as one of the most important choreographers of the new generation, with a deep love for classical ballet.
The choreographer notes, among other things, regarding his choreography for the Don Quixote: «It is with great joy and enthusiasm that I embark on this new journey by choreographing a new version of the timeless ballet masterpiece, Don Quixote, for the Greek National Opera Ballet. Since Mr. Rigos asked me to stay as close as possible to the original version by the great choreographer and teacher of classical ballet, Marius Petipa, who transformed the world of ballet from his time to the present day, I have conducted extensive research and studied many different existing versions. It’s quite difficult to know for sure what is authentic because there has been so much progress in ballet technique over the years and so many different interpretations of the work around the world. (…) I believe that all the magic and fantasies are built up in Don Quixote’s mind, with himself at the center, since he doesn’t see the world as it is and prefers to imagine that he is living a chivalric tale. He dreams of his ideal woman, Dulcinea, and battles monsters, knights, and windmills. On this particular journey, which takes place in Barcelona, Don Quixote defends the virtue of the young lovers, Kitri and Basilio, against the will of the girl’s father, who wants to marry her off to the wealthy and vain Gamás. One can experience this story through the eyes of the main characters, as well as through those of the villagers, the bullfighters, the Gypsies, and the nymphs. It features plenty of pantomime, Spanish-style dances, and the classic dream sequence. I hope you enjoy this ballet adaptation of the story, whose central theme, for me, is this: ’In the end, love always wins.’.
Konstantinos Rigos states: «Since classical ballet is the main focus of the Greek National Opera Ballet, from the very moment I took over as its director, I had in mind that we would present a classical Don Quixote. It’s a play I love, and I believe our team can perform it at a very high level. Of course, the concept of ’classic” in my mind has nothing to do with dusty cardboard sets and costumes that smell of mothballs. That’s why, from the very beginning, I sought out artists with a distinctive vision and a unique aesthetic. For the creative revival of Petipa’s choreography, we invited the distinguished choreographer and dancer from the Hamburg Ballet and the Nederlands Dans Theater, Tiago Bordín. The sets are designed by our exceptionally inspired set designer, Giorgos Souglidis, who excels in Europe’s opera houses, alongside animator Irini Vianelli. For the costumes, we are delighted to welcome to the Greek National Opera for the first time the leading Greek fashion designer with a unique international career, Mary Katrantzou, who redefines the concept of ballet costumes in a unique way. Together with the Orchestra—conducted by Stathis Souli—and the exceptional dancers of the Greek National Opera Ballet, as well as internationally renowned guest artists, I am certain that we will create a Don Quixote classic, yet so contemporary at the same time».
Ο George Souglidis, following his highly successful set designs for the Carmen and the Genoufa of the Greek National Opera, is collaborating with the Ballet for the first time. He has designed sets for productions at major festivals, such as those in Salzburg, Bregenz, the Epidaurus Festival, at major opera houses in Europe and America, such as those in Chicago, Rome, Lisbon, Valencia, and others, as well as with ballet companies such as the Royal Ballet of England and the Scottish Ballet.
The internationally renowned Greek fashion designer Mary Katrantzou She is collaborating with the Greek National Opera for the first time. Following a spectacular career in British fashion, Katrantzou has consistently been at the forefront of the fashion industry’s attention in recent years, having established a distinctive style with her prints, which have dramatically influenced the current face of haute couture. The numerous awards she has received, her high-profile collaborations with many of the most important names in fashion, as well as the unique, world-renowned personalities who choose her creations, confirm her reputation for having changed the face of 21st-century fashion. Katrantzou has designed costumes for the New York City Ballet and the Paris Opera, and her works have been exhibited in major museums, including, among others, the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York and the Dallas Museum of Modern Art.
The Greek National Opera Orchestra conducted by the up-and-coming conductor Stathis Soules. Along with the outstanding Principal Dancers, Soloists, Leading Dancers, and the corps de ballet of GNO, and internationally renowned guest dancers are also participating in the production.
In the two November performances, the roles of Kitri and Basilio will be performed by two international ballet stars, who are collaborating with the Greek National Opera Ballet for the first time, Maya Makateli and Danil Simkin. The award-winning Georgian dancer Maia Makatelia has been a principal dancer with the Dutch National Ballet since 2009, while also performing as a guest artist at some of the world’s most prestigious theaters and festivals. In 2020, she was named Dancer of the Year by the magazine Dance Europe. Leading Russian dancer Daniil Simkin holds the position of Principal Dancer in two of the world’s most prestigious dance companies: the American Ballet Theatre and the Berlin State Ballet. Simkin has danced the most significant roles in the repertoire and has performed in ballet productions and galas across America, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East.
In the last four performances (Dec. 23, 24, 30, 31), the role of Kitri will be performed by the Principal Dancer of the Greek National Opera Ballet Eleana Andreoudi. Her partner in the role of Basilio will be the internationally renowned Brazilian dancer Gustavo Carvalho, who is a soloist with the Düsseldorf Ballet.
The lead roles will also be performed by dancers from the Greek National Opera Ballet on December 4 Alicia Townsend and George Hatzopoulos.
The First Dancer of the Greek National Opera in the role of Mercedes Maria Kousouni (Nov. 26, 27), the Soloist Poppy Sakellaropoulou (4, Dec. 30) and the Margarita Kostoglou (Dec. 23, 24, 31) performed by the Corps de ballet, with the First Dancers of the Greek National Opera in the role of Espada Danilo Zeka (4, Dec. 30) and Vangelis Bikos (Dec. 23, 24, 31), as well as the soloist Stelios Katopodis (26, 27/11).
Summary of Don Quixote by Tiago Bordín
FOREWORD: A kind of hospital. Don Quixote, a nobleman living in the countryside, believes he is a brave knight straight out of the novels he loves to read. He chooses his neighbor Sancho Panza as his squire, and together they set off on a journey of adventure. In his dreams, Don Quixote sees Dulcinea, the heroine of these stories and his vision of the ideal woman.
ACT I: A public square in Barcelona. Kitri, the daughter of Lorenzo the innkeeper, is searching the crowd for her beloved Basilio, the barber. Her joyful dance is interrupted by her father, who, wanting to marry her off to the wealthy, noble, and foolish Gamas, drives Basilio away. Kitri refuses the proposed marriage, but the arrival of Don Quixote and Sancho Panza puts an end to this dispute. Lorenzo offers Don Quixote his hospitality and invites him to his inn. But when Don Quixote sees Kitri, he mistakes her for his beloved Dulcinea. Being a gentleman, he offers her his arm for a minuet. Gamas is enraged by this turn of events. Kitri and Basilio take advantage of the confusion and decide to make their escape.
ACT II
Scene 1: A Gypsy camp. Basilio and Kitri find refuge in the mountains near some windmills. They come across a group of Gypsies who warmly welcome them to their celebration. The Gypsies decide to help the lovers when they see Lorenzo and Gamas arriving, followed by Don Quixote and Sancho Panza, who finally manage to find their hiding place. Amid a violent storm and the ensuing panic, Don Quixote suddenly finds himself facing a windmill, which he attacks, believing it to be some giant enemy, but he is hurled to the ground and falls into a deep sleep. Basilio and Kitri manage to escape once again.
Scene 2: Don Quixote's Dream. Don Quixote, wounded and unconscious, dreams that he is carried to an enchanted garden inhabited by nymphs and the god Cupid, as a reward for his courage and faith. The Queen of the Dryads takes him to Kitri, in whose face Don Quixote sees his beloved Dulcinea, but the dream fades, bringing him back to reality.
Scene 3: At the tavern. Basilio and Kitri, happy to have escaped once again, celebrate their success with friends at the tavern. Lorenzo, Gamas, Don Quixote, and Sancho Panza reunite without wasting any time. Lorenzo is determined to marry Kitri to Gamas. In desperation, Basilio resorts to a ruse and pretends to commit suicide. Kitri begs Don Quixote to convince Lorenzo to let her marry Basilio, since that was the young man’s last wish before he died. Don Quixote forces Lorenzo to allow Kitri to marry Basilio, but as soon as her father gives her his blessing, Basilio stands up, filled with joy. Unable to contain his anger over the trick played on him, Gamas challenges Don Quixote to a duel and loses.
Scene 4: The wedding. The atmosphere is very cheerful, as the village is celebrating Kitrí’s wedding to Bazilio. Don Quixote is the guest of honor, and the happy couple dances in his honor. After the celebration, Don Quixote and his faithful servant set off in search of new adventures.
Contributors
Music direction: Stathis Soules
Choreography: Tiago Bordín, based on his choreography Marius Petipa
Props: George Souglidis
Costumes: Mary Katrantzou
Lights: Christos Tziogas
Animation: Eirini Vianelli
Kiti: Maya Makateli (26, 27/11), Eleana Andreoudi (23, 24, 30, 31/12), Alicia Townsend (4/12)
Basilio: Daniil Simkin (26, 27/11), Gustavo Carvalho (23, 24, 30, 31/12), George Hatzopoulos (4/12)
Mercedes: Maria Kousouni (26, 27/11), Poppy Sakellaropoulou (4, 30/12), Margarita Kostoglou (23, 24, 31/12)
Espanta: Danilo Zeka (4, 30/12), Vangelis Bikos (23, 24, 31/12), Stelios Katopodis (26, 27/11)
With the Orchestra, them First Group of Dancers, them Soloist, them Top and the Corps de ballet of National Opera of Greece
