PROLOGUE
Cabinet of Miguel de Cervantes.
Inspiration left the great Spanish writer, and the words come to him with difficulty. The last few years have been very difficult for Cervantes, and now he has to part with most of the property.
Two faithful servants run the locals who collect and carry books from the writer's library. At first, the presence of strangers annoys Cervantes, but then, after a closer look, he ignites an interest in the life scenes playing in front of him. A wave of inspiration overwhelms him, and the words flow like water. The writer happily takes to work on the plot of the new book. The details of the fascinating history and characters of the characters, wonderfully resembling the surroundings of Cervantes, appear vividly and clearly before his inner eye.
ACT I
Square in Barcelona
Kitri, daughter of the innkeeper Lorenzo, blithely flirts with young barber Basil. However, the intentions of the young man are much more serious than the flirt suggests. Upon learning that the eccentric rich man has the looks of his lover, the owner of the city bullring Gamash, Basile immediately decides to marry Kitri. Under the leadership of the famous Espada, the bullfighters are returning from battle. A crowd of fans immediately gathers around them. Especially Espade favors charming young Mercedes. Then Don Quixote, who proclaimed himself a knight, always wandering in search of adventure, and his faithful servant Sancho Panza appear on the square. They for some time seize the attention of a noisy crowd. Seeing that Kitri and Basile feel for each other those tender and passionate feelings of which he himself dreams, Don Quixote is imbued with sympathy for young lovers. Very soon, the heroes manage to escape in the company of new friends, and Lorenzo and Gamash remain out of work.
ACT II
The first picture. Tavern
Young people are having a celebration, joined by Don Quixote and Sancho Panza. With the advent of gypsy dancers, some tension arises between Basil and Espada, however, soon friends manage to find a common language.
Suddenly, the festive crowd is overtaken by Gamash and Lorenzo. But Kitri with the help of gypsies again escapes from the strict parent. Basile, Don Quixote and Sancho Panza immediately follow the girls.
The second picture. Gypsy camp
The heroes enjoy the bright, exotic atmosphere of the Gypsy camp and the hospitality provided to them, delving into the details of a completely unfamiliar way of life. But here, too, the festivities suddenly end. Lorenzo manages to take her daughter home by force. Don Quixote is puzzled and upset - no one wants to join him to help the unfortunate lovers. Left alone, the sad knight is immersed in dreams.
The third picture. Son Don Quixote
Don Quixote is in the world of dreams, where ghostly beautiful ladies circle, and Cupid serves as a guide. The knight understands that in order to change fate for the better, it is necessary to act. Having barely awakened, he receives from the hands of Sancho an invitation to the wedding of Kitri and Gamash. But Don Quixote is determined to fulfill his duty - to save the love of Kitri and Basil, and at the same time his own honor.
ACT III
Square in Barcelona
The wedding ceremony is already in full swing, Basil unexpectedly interrupts it. In front of the guests, the young man pretends to take his own life. Lorenzo does not experience any particular grief, but Don Quixote insists that he bless Kitri and her lover, and the innkeeper gives in, because Basil is already dead anyway. Having received the blessing, the young man jumps to his feet, safe and sound. Lorenzo decides that he did a miracle. Overjoyed, the innkeeper lets her daughter go beyond Basil. The holiday resumes, and the priest crowns the young.
EPILOGUE
We are again in the office of Cervantes. Inspired by friends and new experiences, the writer ends the book. His work is destined to become one of the greatest creations of world literature. The reader will have a fascinating and unforgettable journey full of adventures, discoveries and, most importantly, love.
Театр Станиславского, Main stage
