Robert Curran and Lucinda Dunn. Photo - Justin Smith

Melbourne audiences will be the first in Australia to see international ballet star Ethan Stiefel’s virtuosic dancing when The Australian Ballet presents Rudolf Nureyev’s vibrant ballet classic Don Quixote at the State Theatre from the 16 - 27 March.

Nureyev’s Don Quixote is a landmark in the history of The Australian Ballet and is the heritage production for 2007, following on from La Sylphide in 2005, and Giselle in 2006.

Based on the legendary tale of the man of La Mancha by Spanish author Cervantes, this classic three act ballet tells the story of a deluded old knight, Quixote, on a quest to find his lost love, Dulcinea. But on his journey he crosses paths with the swooning young lovers Basilio and Kitri in a tale of fun, mischief and mistaken identity. Set in a Spanish seaside village, this light-hearted, colourful and enthralling ballet features a rich diversity of characters. Its dramatic liveliness and virtuosic dancing makes it the perfect showcase for the company’s many talented dancers.

Ballet legend Rudolf Nureyev first staged his evening length Don Quixote for the Vienna Staatsopera Ballett in 1966 and revived it for The Australian Ballet in 1970, performing the leading role of Basilio, partnered by Lucette Aldous as Kitri. (Ms Aldous will return in February 2007 to coach the principal roles). Since then it has become one of the most performed ballets in the company’s repertoire, wowing audiences around the globe – from London to Tel Aviv and Hiroshima to Athens.

American Ballet Theatre Principal Dancer and star of the film Center Stage, Ethan Stiefel, is one of the most recognisable ballet faces in the world today. Marking his Australian debut, Mr Stiefel will join the company to perform the role of Basilio opposite Principal Artist Rachel Rawlins in two shows only (24 & 27 March) during the Melbourne season of Don Quixote.

Artistic Director David McAllister said, “Having just worked with Ethan in New York I am sure he will light up our stages with his charisma and beautiful dancing. It will be exciting for the company to host one of today’s most admired dancers on his first Australian visit.”


“Don Quixote encapsulates everything delightful about this company: its youth, energy, vitality and charm – and its sense of humour.” The Daily Telegraph


The Australian Ballet
DON QUIXOTE
Composer Ludwig Minkus arranged by John Lanchbery

Choreography Rudolf Nureyev after Marius Petipa
Set design Anne Fraser
Costume design Barry Kay
Lighting Francis Croese

Special Guest Artist Ethan Stiefel in Don Quixote

With Orchestra Victoria


Venue: State Theatre, the Arts Centre
Dates: 16 -27 March 2007
Times: Mon @ 6.30pm; Tues - Sat @ 7.30pm (except Tues 27th @ 6.30pm); Matinees Sat @ 1.30pm
Bookings: 1300 136 166 or ticketmaster.com.au
Website: australianballet.com.au


ALSO
Brisbane: 22 – 27 February 2007
Sydney: 5 – 26 April 2007



GENERATIONS
Generations of dancers have performed this famous ballet. Nureyev and Fonteyn toured the world to great acclaim and Baryshnikov’s Basilio has also gone down in ballet history. Balanchine even performed as the Don in his 1965 version for the New York City Ballet.

Many ballet stars have followed in these legends’ footsteps and, closer to home, the leading roles have been danced by most of the major principal artists of The Australian Ballet. The inaugural performance featured Sir Robert Helpmann as the Don and Ray Powell as Sancho Panza while Marilyn Jones and Garth Welch danced the roles of Kitri and Basilio.

Best selling author Li Cunxin’s last performance with The Australian Ballet was as Basilio alongside Nicole Rhodes’ Kitri. Steven Heathcote has danced in Don Quixote numerous times, last performing Basilio in
1999, the same year that David McAllister performed it for his final time.

Most recently Principal Artists Matthew Lawrence and Lucinda Dunn performed the famous pas de deux at the World Ballet Festival in Tokyo in August 2006. Their performance caused a frenzy outside stage door with hundreds of fans waiting for Matthew and Lucinda’s autographs.

In 2007 a new generation of dancers will get the chance to shine in these roles.


INTERESTING FACT
Nureyev’s genius has left an indelible imprint on the world of dance, St. Petersburg, New York, Paris…Essendon. In 1972, Nureyev directed and starred in the landmark film of Don Quixote, with The Australian Ballet, shot in an aircraft hanger in Essendon. It is still regarded as one of the greatest ballet films of all time.