'Don Quixote': Ballet Philippines ends its 48th season with a lively tale of love and passion

January may be the start of the year, but it signals the end of a season for Ballet Philippines.

Ballet Philippines is preparing to close its 48th season with a production of the classical "Don Quixote".

Taken from episodes of Spanish author Miguel de Cervantes' novel, the ballet follows the adventures of Don Quixote in Barcelona, Spain.

In his search for his lady love Dulcinea, the eccentric elderly gentleman encounters Kitri, the innkeeper's daughter, who is in love with the town barber, Basilio. The innkeeper disapproves of their romance and wants to marry her off.

Don Quixote mistakes Kitri for Dulcinea and decides he doesn't want her to marry anyone — but unwittingly helps Kitri and Basilio get their happy ending.

At some point, windmills, wine, gypsies, and dreams find their way into the storyline, making the ballet a colorful and entertaining tale for all.

Don Quixote remains to be the Cultural Center of the Philippines' (CCP) biggest production, which is saying something, as it currently has about 500 in its repertoire.

"We always end with a bang," said CCP president Margie Moran Floirendo.

"It's a fun ballet, we've done it before, and we're trying to bring back the best productions in our repertoire. We have a repertoire of 500 pieces," she added.

Aside from its timelessness, "Don Quixote" is also a simple enough ballet for those who are new to the scene. The CCP is hoping this would attract a new and younger crowd.

"We're hoping that the young ones will also come and watch the ballet so we'll create a new audience. This is one ballet that's easy to understand and it's for ballet virgins, it's a good one to show," Floirendo said.

A tale of love and passion

While the love story is just one aspect of the ballet, it's undeniable that it's what drives the story.

This has been made clear for the dancers who will be performing in the production, and who spent days learning about their characters in preparation for it.

"Don Quixote is the story of Kitri and Basilio who find their way to finally love each other. They have so many trials especially with Kitri's father. This journey is just about them finally being accepted and finally being together," said Monica Gana, who will play Kitri.

Ian Ocampo, who will play Basilio, said that his takeaway from the ballet is that one can be loved by just being himself.

"Well, the main message of this ballet, from my perspective is just be you. Because people can easily love you by being who you are," he said.

"Especially my character, Basilio is not rich. He's a barber and he's really in love with Kitri. He has to find a way to convince Lorenzo, the father of Kitri to [let her] marry him," he explained.

But just as important than love is passion, the pair said.

Gana, after thoroughly getting to know her feisty and sassy character, said that anything can be achieved if one has passion.

"For me, with passion and fire, anything is possible," she said.

"Find joy in everything that you do," Ocampo added. — LA, GMA News

Don Quixote will run from February 9 to 18, 2018 at the CCP Main Theater.