Don Quixote (The Australian Ballet): Reviewed by Alex First
I was mesmerised by the performances of the two leads in an intoxicating production of Don Quixote by The Australian Ballet.
It is based upon the 1973 Australian film starring Rudolph Nureyev and Robert Helpmann.
The story concerns eccentric nobleman Don Quixote acting on a dream. He imagines himself to be the successor to a medieval knight in search of chivalrous adventure.
He upgrades his servant Sancho Panza to the position of squire, and together they set off.
Chengwu Guo elevates Ako Kono in a mesmerising display in Don Quixote
Photo by Rainee Lantry
When they arrive in the port of Barcelona, they walk into quite a scene. A feisty young woman named Kitri refuses her father Lorenzo’s attempts to marry her off for money to haughty aristocrat Gamache.
Instead, Kitri makes plans to wed charming barber Basilio, who has won her heart.
That is merely the starting point for hijinks and trickery.
The good humour in Don Quixote gives it instant appeal. It is a lightweight, joyous work that puts a smile on your face.
The leads on opening night, principal artists Chengwu Guo and Ako Kondo, leapt and twirled and all but floated over the stage to enchant an appreciative audience.
Their dexterity and athleticism were enchanting and remarkable. Frankly, I couldn’t get enough of them, and, fortunately, they were given ample opportunity to shine.
I can only imagine how proud they and the rest of the company must have felt. It was ballet at its finest.
Adam Bull made a real show of it in his representation of Don Quixote, with Timothy Coleman as his comic sidekick Sancho Panza.
Paul Knobloch was quite the buffoon as Gamache, with Brett Simon a dominating figure as Lorenzo.
The legendary Nureyev’s choreography remains breathtaking.
I was attracted to the Spanish-infused score by 19th-century composer Ludwig Minkus, orchestrated by John Lanchbery – an aural pleasure with Orchestra Victoria.
The sets by Richard Roberts (based on the original movie) are magnificently presented in the three-act ballet.
They transport us from Don Quixote’s home to a crowded port, a windmill-laden, rural Spanish setting and a candle-lit tavern.
Another appealing feature is a full-size horse that makes an immediate impact through the standing puppeteers inside, who give the animal a personality. The design, manufacture and operation of the steed is the work of A Blanck Canvas.
The rich and colourful costume design by Barry Kay is another major drawcard. The splendour of and the fine detail in the costuming are what stand out.
The Australian Ballet’s Don Quixote is a triumphant production – thoroughly engaging and entertaining from start to finish.
It is on at The State Theatre, Arts Centre Melbourne until 25th March, 2023.
