Rudolf Nureyev’s Don Quixote Returns To Boston

Last performed by Boston Ballet in 2012, Rudolf Nureyev’s Don Quixote is back to entertain Beantown audiences at Citizens Bank Opera House.

From March 16-26, Mikko Nissinen’s company will again dance the ballet inspired by Miguel de Cervantes’ novel, accompanied by the Boston Ballet Orchestra playing Ludwig Minkus’ iconic score.

"Rudolf Nureyev’s iconic Don Quixote has enjoyed a long history with Boston Ballet. Nureyev was a dear friend and professional idol, and I am thrilled to bring his ballet back after 10 years. Rudolf staged the ballet here in 1982, and he toured extensively with the Company in the role of Basilio, capturing the attention of American and international audiences. Nureyev’s adaptation of Don Quixote is one of the best, and I am excited for audiences to experience it and for our dancers to take on the challenging and fun choreography."

Mikko Nissinen

Artistic Director of Boston Ballet

Along with the reprise of Jeffrey Cirio as Basilio (which he danced during the company’s premiere run a decade ago), this year’s casting also includes the debut of Derek Dunn in the lead role.

Rudolf Nureyev's Don Quixote Trailer

Nureyev’s version restores the importance of the prologue, which begins with a view into the fantasy world of Don Quixote.
Lying ill at his castle in Barcelona, Don Quixote believes he sees the luminous Dulcinea, the lady of his dreams, suddenly appear in his gloomy abode.
Don Quixote enlists his neighbor Sancho Panza as his squire, and together they set out on an adventure through the Spanish countryside.
The ballet continues with three acts, in which they pursue romantic ideals, battle imaginary dragons, and get mixed up in the merry misadventures of two passionate young lovers Kitri and Basilio.
The quest culminates in a grand wedding scene that contains some of the most dynamic and demanding dancing in classical ballet.

In 1982, Nureyev not only staged Don Quixote for Boston Ballet but also danced the leading role of Basilio.