Blog

In an interview, choreographer Víctor Ullate told us why he set out to create his own version of the ballet classic, which will celebrate its revival at the Deutsche Oper Berlin on December 3.

»I have practically dedicated my whole life to dance. First as a dancer and later as a teacher and choreographer. Day by day, all these different activities helped me to understand movement better and brought me to do further research. In doing so, I eventually devoted myself to what I know best: my very own roots. They nourished many of my choreographies, and I also wanted to trace and explore their essence historically. That's how I encountered DON QUIXOTE. Is there any narrative closer to us Spanish people?

I have seen many productions of this piece, which is part of every big ensemble's repertory, and which has been frequently adapted by many great choreographers, although, hardly with any real Spanish blood pulsing through them.

I didn't want to change the essence of the piece. I remained within its historic framework, however, enriching it with authentic Spanish ambiance, which had previously been neglected despite all the apparent Spanish themes. I wanted to turn this piece, which is as everlasting as its creator, Marius Petipa, more into a Spanish piece, giving it a fresh new look, helping the work's essential, distinguished core to emerge in all its complexity.

Don Quixote and Sancho Pansa, who we all carry somewhere within us; Kitri and Basil, who keep the love of our youth alive; Lorenzo, the practical innkeeper; Camacho, the French style aristocrat; the passionate ›gitanos‹; Cupido, who inspires us all... they are all dear to my heart.«

– Víctor Ullate

DON QUIXOTE by Víctor Ullate will celebrate its revival at the Deutsche Oper Berlin on December 3.