Apr 01, 2019 Repertorio Espanol, one of the nation’s leading Hispanic and Latino theater companies, will present an adaptation of Miguel de Cervantes’ epic novel “Don Quixote” at 7 p.m. Wednesday, April 10, at St. Bonaventure University’s Regina A. Quick Center for the Arts.

This production of “El Quijote,” presented in Spanish with English supertitles, has been hailed by critics far and wide. Backstage magazine called it “the real thing, much closer to Cervantes’ original satirical intent … not a stodgy classic, but a lusty, delicious version, a veritable three-ring circus.”

Cervantes’ classic tale, published in 1605, is considered by some critics as the first modern novel in literary history. The reader is introduced to Alonso Quijano, who has lost his sanity due to the many books he has read about chivalry. He renames himself Don Quijote de la Mancha and begins his adventures as a new-born knight determined to defend and protect the less fortunate.

“It’s the classic Don Quixote tales done by a company that’s been around for decades in New York City,” said Dr. Ed. Simone, professor of theater and director of the theater program at St. Bonaventure. “It’s a wonderful production that follows the misadventures of Don Quixote and his loyal squire, Sancho Panza.”

Repertorio Espanol was founded in 1968 in order to introduce the best of Latin American, Spanish and Hispanic American theater to broad-ranging audiences in New York and around the country. For performances in Spanish, English-speaking audiences are guided along with English supertitles projected on a screen. Those who do not understand Spanish are still able to experience the production, said Simone.

This performance is presented as part of the 2018-2019 Martine Performing Arts Series, which is funded by a grant from St. Bonaventure’s James J. Martine Faculty Development Endowment. The annual series, planned and executed by the Department of Visual and Performing Arts at St. Bonaventure, is dedicated to expanding the arts curriculum beyond classroom walls.

The performance is free to the campus community. A limited number of tickets are available to the general public at $5 each. For more information, contact the Quick Center Box Office at (716) 375-2494.

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