Ballet masterpiece "Don Quixote" to premiere in Vietnam
The ballet masterpiece "Don Quixote" will make its official Vietnamese premiere at the Ho Guom Theatre, Hanoi, on the evenings of June 27-28, according to the Vietnam National Opera & Ballet (VNOB).
For the first time, Vietnamese audiences will have the opportunity to experience this magnificent work in its original version by renowned choreographer Marius Petipa.
Inspired by Cervantes' novel of the same name, the ballet was choreographed by the legendary Petipa in 1869 with music composed by Ludwig Minkus. It brings audiences to a journey between dream and reality of knight Don Quixote.
Don Quixote embodies the romantic ideal—a man immersed in a fantastical world where love and courage are glorified. This aging nobleman from La Mancha draws audiences into the romantic landscape of love and the vibrant life of Spain, along with society's transformations and fundamental values, all brought to the stage with gentle humour and satire through the language of dance.
The interweaving between realistic scenes brimming with vitality and dreamlike adventure sequences not only creates powerful visual and emotional contrasts but also serves as an artistic vehicle for exploring the work's deeper philosophical layers – aspiration, illusion, and the essence of human happiness.
VNOB Director Meritorious Artist Phan Manh Duc said despite formidable challenges like casting, timing and financing, the VNOB is determined to bring the world’s top-tier production to the Vietnamese stage to meet audiences’ artistic appreciation needs.
The production will bring a team of around 150 people, including nearly 60 ballet dancers, over 60 musicians from the symphony orchestra, and a large backstage and creative crew. Notably, the performance features multiple generations of Vietnamese ballet artists, from established performers like Meritorious Artists Cao Chi Thanh and Phan Luong, to Gen Z rising stars like Nguyen Duc Hieu, Vu Khanh Bang, and Tran Bao Ngoc.
More than 150 years since its premiere, the ballet remains a beloved work worldwide for its ability to balance drama with techniques, humour with emotions. The production reflects ballet's optimistic spirit and ranks among the top 10 classical ballet works that have stood the test of time.
National ballet dancers perform Giselle at Opera House
Vietnam National Opera and Ballet (VNOB) will bring Giselle - one of the greatest romantic ballets to audiences in Hanoi downtown on August 2 & 3.
