QuixoteFest '08
For All Who Are Well-Versed in the Business of Adventure
Modern Quixote
Noted Ballerina to Perform 'Don Quixote' at Roosevelt University
By Phyllis Cannon
It's joyous, festive and visionary! Those are just some of the reasons Roosevelt University is thrilled to have the Georgian Ballet perform "Don Quixote" in the University's Auditorium Theatre in Chicago on March 5 through March 9, 2008. It's an important stop on the Georgian Ballet's first ever tour of the United States.
Under the directorship of Nina Ananiashvili, the former prima ballerina of the Bolshoi Ballet and American Ballet Theatre, "Don Quixote" has become the company's signature ballet. Ms. Ananiashvili appears in the dual role of Kitri, a vivacious, strong-minded village girl, and Dulcinea, Don Quixote's idealized love interest.
Cervantes' masterpiece was first adapted for the ballet as far back as 1740. A loose retelling of just a few sections of the 17th century novel, "Don Quixote" is one of the rare classical ballets to have a truly democratic spirit. The vivid Spanish dances, brimming with spectacular virtuoso turns, celebrate the heroes of the people. Dancers perform with a sweeping vitality that demonstrates the art of storytelling in movement. It's a fearless ballet, brimming with exotic flavor.
What's the appeal of this classic work now, in 2008? "It's the story line," says Elizabeth Butler, sales manager of the Auditorium Theater. "It's the tale of someone who follows his own vision and makes it real. That's what sold the play 'Man of La Mancha'. It just appeals to everyone".
Ms. Butler thinks the attractiveness of the "Don Quixote" ballet has only grown stronger with the increasing importance of the Spanish language and culture in our world today. The adaptation resonates with Spanish spirit. Ms. Butler says this ballet, inspired by a character who dared to dream and persevered against all obstacles, "has such fire and sparkle and shows such personal magnetism and power. It makes audiences feel good to be inspired all over again".
Call 312.902.1500, visit ticketmaster.com, or come to the Auditorium Theatre box office for tickets. Groups (10+) call 312.431.2357. For more details, visit the Auditorium Theater web site.
It's joyous, festive and visionary! Those are just some of the reasons Roosevelt University is thrilled to have the Georgian Ballet perform "Don Quixote" in the University's Auditorium Theatre in Chicago on March 5 through March 9, 2008. It's an important stop on the Georgian Ballet's first ever tour of the United States.
Under the directorship of Nina Ananiashvili, the former prima ballerina of the Bolshoi Ballet and American Ballet Theatre, "Don Quixote" has become the company's signature ballet. Ms. Ananiashvili appears in the dual role of Kitri, a vivacious, strong-minded village girl, and Dulcinea, Don Quixote's idealized love interest.
Cervantes' masterpiece was first adapted for the ballet as far back as 1740. A loose retelling of just a few sections of the 17th century novel, "Don Quixote" is one of the rare classical ballets to have a truly democratic spirit. The vivid Spanish dances, brimming with spectacular virtuoso turns, celebrate the heroes of the people. Dancers perform with a sweeping vitality that demonstrates the art of storytelling in movement. It's a fearless ballet, brimming with exotic flavor.What's the appeal of this classic work now, in 2008? "It's the story line," says Elizabeth Butler, sales manager of the Auditorium Theater. "It's the tale of someone who follows his own vision and makes it real. That's what sold the play 'Man of La Mancha'. It just appeals to everyone".
Ms. Butler thinks the attractiveness of the "Don Quixote" ballet has only grown stronger with the increasing importance of the Spanish language and culture in our world today. The adaptation resonates with Spanish spirit. Ms. Butler says this ballet, inspired by a character who dared to dream and persevered against all obstacles, "has such fire and sparkle and shows such personal magnetism and power. It makes audiences feel good to be inspired all over again".
Call 312.902.1500, visit ticketmaster.com, or come to the Auditorium Theatre box office for tickets. Groups (10+) call 312.431.2357. For more details, visit the Auditorium Theater web site.
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