Though it was written during the time of Shakespeare, Spanish author Miguel de Cervantes’ “Don Quixote” is still considered one of the greatest literary works ever written.

The Korean National Ballet is following up its April staging of “Swan Lake” with its latest production of “Don Quixote” ― a resurrection of Marius Petipa’s choreographed classic tale of adventure and humor based on the eponymous novel.

The ballet made its premiere more than 260 years ago and has since become one of the ballet world’s most beloved comical productions. The novel follows the story Alonso Quixano, a middle-aged “hidalgo” who enjoys reading chivalric novels. After being inspired by the heroic tales of these characters’ sorted adventures, Quixano one day decides to knight himself under the name of Don Quixote and embark on his own comical misadventures along with his faithful sword-bearing sidekick, Sancho Panza. 

Other than tales of Quixote and Panza, the ballet rendition of the classic novel focuses much of its plot on the playful romance between a barber named Basilio and Kitri, the daughter of a local innkeeper.

This year’s production will feature principal dancers Kim Ji-young, Lee Eun-won and Kim Ri-hoe in the leading role of Kitri. The role of Basilio will be performed by principals Kim Hyun-woong, Lee Jae-woo and Kim Ki-wan.

“Don Quixote” will run from June 26-29 at Seoul Arts Center’s Opera Theater in Seocho-dong with ticket prices ranging from 5,000 won to 80,000 won. For more information, visit www.sacticket.co.kr.

By Julie Jackson (juliejackson@heraldcorp.com)