ANTALYA / ISTANBUL 

The ballet Don Quixote captivated audiences on Wednesday in Türkiye’s coastal Antalya province, staged as part of the 32nd International Aspendos Opera and Ballet Festival.

Presented at the historic Aspendos Ancient Theatre, the performance brought the vibrant spirit of Spanish culture to the stage, enchanting festivalgoers with its energy, humor, and romance.

Adapted from Cervantes’ classic work, the production was performed by the Antalya State Opera and Ballet Orchestra and conducted by Hakan Kalkan with choreography by Marius Petipa. The ballet was staged by G. Armagan Davran and Ayse Fidanlik.

Don Quixote follows the whimsical adventures of the idealistic knight and his loyal squire Pancho Panza, blending ballet with comedy and romance through the love story of Kitri and Basilio. The visually striking production featured set design by Ozgur Usta, costume design by Serdar Basbug, and lighting by Mustafa Eski.

Organized by the Culture and Tourism Ministry’s State Opera and Ballet, the festival continues to highlight world-renowned works in one of the world’s best-preserved ancient theaters. Upcoming performances include La Traviata and Tosca.