DON QUIXOTE

PROLOGUE

Don Quixote, a Spanish gentleman obsessed with tales of chivalry, dreams at night of heroic quests. His loyal squire, Sancho Panza, grows increasingly worried that his master is losing his grip on reality due to excessive reading. Despite Sancho’s efforts to bring him back to his senses, Don Quixote remains undeterred and declares his intention to set off on an adventure. He instructs Sancho to ready his gear—battered armor, a worn-out sword, spurs, and above all, his noble steed, Rocinante. Suddenly, mistaking a vision for his beloved Dulcinea, the idealized lady of his heart, Don Quixote charges forth, dragging Sancho along on a new escapade.

ACT I

A Castilian Village

At dawn, the village square comes to life. Kitri, daughter of the innkeeper Lorenzo, exchanges loving glances with Basilio, the barber she adores. Lorenzo, scandalized, separates them. The lovers beg for his blessing, but Lorenzo refuses—Basilio is too poor for his daughter.

The arrival of Gamache, a wealthy nobleman accompanied by his guard, draws ridicule from the villagers. He proposes to Kitri, and Lorenzo, enticed by the dowry, agrees. Kitri, determined to resist this marriage of convenience, mocks Gamache. Embarrassed, her father urges her inside the inn.

The square becomes lively again with the arrival of a troupe of toreadors, led by Espada and his mistress, Mercedes. The villagers dance. Don Quixote and Sancho arrive and are warmly welcomed. Mistaking Kitri for Dulcinea, Don Quixote swears eternal love to her. Everyone rejoices in the celebration.

Lorenzo summons his daughter to formalize the engagement with Gamache. Basilio tries to intervene but is stopped by the guards. Don Quixote steps in, enabling Kitri and Basilio to flee. Gamache and his men give chase, followed closely by Don Quixote and Sancho, champions of true love.

Escape into the Forest

The fleeing lovers take shelter in a camp near some windmills. Moved by their story, the camp leader offers them refuge. Don Quixote and Sancho soon arrive and are welcomed with dancing. The peace is broken when Lorenzo, Gamache, and their soldiers arrive, demanding the fugitives be handed over. Finding Kitri’s shawl, Lorenzo orders a full search of the camp.

Lost in his delusions, Don Quixote charges at a windmill, believing it to be a fearsome giant, and is knocked down. Alarmed, Sancho rushes to get help. Dazed and injured, Don Quixote hallucinates: he sees Dulcinea surrounded by Dryads, led by the Spirit of Love. She comforts him and promises that love will triumph. Sancho gently brings him back to reality.

ACT II

In the Tavern

The village celebrates Kitri and Basilio’s return. Don Quixote and Sancho join the festivities. But the joy is short-lived—Gamache and Lorenzo arrive, determined to force Kitri into marriage.

As the ceremony begins, a cloaked stranger interrupts the proceedings. It is Basilio, feigning suicide. In his “final” breath, he begs to marry Kitri before he dies. Don Quixote passionately defends the lovers, and the priest consents. No sooner are they wed than Basilio springs back to life, revealing his clever ruse. Humiliated, Gamache exits in disgrace.

Wedding of Kitri and Basilio

Don Quixote reconciles Kitri with her father and insists the celebration go on. As the festivities conclude, the wandering knight and his faithful squire set off once more, continuing their quest for truth and justice.