Cape Town City Ballet will present the much-loved Don Quixote at Artscape from 12 August to 2 September, 2023. The three-act ballet is based on the classic novel by Miguel de Cervantes. The show is produced by renowned choreographer and dancer Maina Gielgud.
The romance sees female lead, Kitri, falling in love with the handsome, but poor Basilio. Her ambitious father Lorenzo wants her to marry a wealthy suitor – the rich nobleman Gamache. But ultimately love conquers all.
Extensive career
The production promises to transport audiences through the escapades of Don Quixote and his friend Sancho. It is a romantic comedy ballet featuring passionate young lovers, townspeople, toreadors, gypsies, and more.
British-born director Gielgud has an extensive career and deep understanding of the art form, which has earned her international acclaim and respect from the ballet community. Here she brings her talent to the production, which promises to be an unforgettable staging.
Assisting Maina Gielgud in the rehearsal process will be Australian-born Mark Pace, who is currently the lead classical ballet teacher at the Conservatoire of Lille, France. Pace’s artistry and dedication have made him a renowned figure in the ballet world and he will ensure that the company delivers a performance that captures the essence of this beloved ballet.
International dancers
International artists who will appear include Russian dancer Vadim Muntagirov and Japanese Fumi Kaneko, both with the Royal Ballet Company, and Antonio Casalinho and Margarita Fernandes, First Soloist and Soloist of the Bavarian State Ballet.
Cape Town City Ballet Ballerina Kirstel Paterson will open the season on 12 August and will be partnered by Jonathan Leyva.
The Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra (CTPO) will be led by Jonathan McPhee, currently Music Director for the Lexington Symphony. He has served international companies such as New York City Ballet, amongst others. Select performances will feature the orchestra.
Full cast list of the Don Quixote season
Saturday, 12 August at 7.30pm Jonathan Leyva & Kirstel Paterson (with CTPO)
Sunday, 13 August at 3pm Antonio Casalinho & Margarita Fernandes (International guest with CPTO)
Wednesday, 16 August at 7.30pm Antonio Casalinho & Margarita Fernandes (International guest with CPTO)
Thursday, 17 August at 7.30pm Jonathan Leyva & Kirstel Paterson (Recording)
Saturday, 19 August at 3pm Jonathan Leyva & Kirstel Paterson (Recording)
Saturday, 19 August at 19.30 pm Antonio Casalinho & Margarita Fernandes (International guest with Recording)
Tuesday, 22 August at 7.30pm Vadim Muntagirov & Fumi Kaneko (International guest with Recording)
Wednesday, 23 August at 7.30pm Francisco Gomes & Inés McIntosh (Recording)
Friday, 25 August at 7.30pm Vadim Muntagirov & Fumi Kaneko (International guest with CTPO)
Saturday, 26 August at 3pm Francisco Gomes & Chanté Daniels (with CTPO)
Saturday, 26 August at 7.30pm Leusson Muniz & Leané Theunissen (with CTPO)
Sunday, 27 August at 3pm Vadim Muntagirov & Fumi Kaneko (International guest with CTPO)
Wednesday, 30 August 30 2023 at 7.30pm Leusson Muniz & Leané Theunissen (Recording)
Saturday, 2 September at 3pm Leusson Muniz & Leané Theunissen (Recording)
Saturday, 3 September at 7.30pm Francisco Gomes & Chanté Daniels (Recording)
CTCB Don Quixote Artscape tickets are priced from R175 to R745. Book here.
What: CTCB Don Quixote Artscape
Where: Artscape Theatre Cape Town
When: 12 August to 2 September 2023
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