Queensland audiences will be the first in Australia to see The Australian Ballet in 2007, when the company presents Rudolf Nureyev’s vibrant ballet classic Don Quixote at the Lyric Theatre, QPAC, from the 22 - 27 Feburary.

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 superstar 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 early 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.

Artistic Director David McAllister said, “I am so looking forward to starting our year in Brisbane and having Rudolf Nureyev’s masterful production of Don Quixote back on stage. It will also be a great joy to have Lucette Aldous with us in Brisbane coaching our Kitri’s in the role she created in this magnificent production and in the feature film staring alongside Rudolf.”

The Australian Ballet’s full company of 68 dancers is involved in the production, including Brisbane dancers Daniel Gaudiello, Dana Stephenson and new comer to the company Jared Wright -  as well as fellow Queenslanders Amber Scott (Sunshine Coast), Rudy Hawkes (Ipswich), Kismet Bourne (Toowoomba) and Camilla Vergotis (Gold Coast) – all set to feature in the numerous roles that bring the ballet to life.

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.

The Australian Ballet
Don Quixote

Choreography: Rudolf Nureyev after Marius Petipa
Composer: Ludwig Minkus arranged by John Lanchbery
Set design: Anne Fraser
Costume design: Barry Kay
Lighting: Francis Croese

With the Queensland Orchestra

Venue: Lyric Theatre | QPAC
Dates: 22 - 27 February 2007
Tickets: $29.00 to $96.00 (inc. fees)
Duration: 3 hours - inc. two 20 minute intervals (subject to change without notice)
Bookings: 136 246 or qtix.com.au