Don Quixote -- San Francisco Ballet Review

Don Quixote

San Francisco Ballet

April 27, 2012

  

This is a lighthearted farce that mocks the illusions that men have about women and love.  One might say that it is based on Don Quixote, the seventeenth century novel by Miguel de Cervantes, but calling this Don Quixote is quite a stretch.  It would be better titled "The Saga of Kitri and Basilio," but that would be harder to market.  However, that is the main subject matter of this production.  The character of Don Quixote is almost incidental in this ballet.  He is a comic figure, but it is sometimes hard to tell exactly what he is doing in this production.  They actually brought him and his sidekick, Sancho, out onto the stage at two different points on a live horse and a burro.  Perhaps it was to give them a little more visual emphasis, but they are really a sideshow.  The original novel is a story of Don Quixote's inner transformation, and how his many adventures lead to the loss of his illusions about chivalric love.  The ballet recreation does not make even the feeblest attempt to do this.  The story line is actually pretty thin and simple.  This ballet is a show of dance virtuosity, choreography, and costumes.  And that it does it to the hilt. 

This production is a marvelous spectacle of lights, costumes, sets, and dance extravaganza.  The costumes are dazzling.  Vibrant colors under bright white lights make them appear almost luminescent.  The dancing is superb to my untrained eye.  I would single out Maria Kochetkova (Kitri) and Taras Domitro (Basilio) for special recognition.  They were electrifying and the whole house could feel it.  The visual onslaught of color and light, the masterful choreography, and the nimble grace of top-flight dancing make you glad you don't have to think very much.  It amounted to a thoroughly enjoyable evening of spirited good cheer and polished physical accomplishment.  It was a privilege to be there.