Casanova in Warsaw at Teatr Wielki - Opera Narodowa, Moniuszko Auditorium

T he legendary lover spent a few months in Warsaw in 1765-1766. He moved in the choicest company, including that of King Stanis?aw August. He took part in Warsaw’s theatre life, finding special enjoyment in the royal ballet company.

He was witness to official and behind-the-scenes events during the first season of the Polish public theatre at Operalnia Saska [the Saxon Opera House]. He showered his attentions upon the rival Italian ballerinas Anna Binetti, Caterina Gattai and Teresa Casacci. He applauded the young Charles Le Picq who was dubbed by the European ballet scene’s „Apollo of Dance”. He engaged in a conflict and a duel with a favourite of the king’s, Count Franciszek Ksawery Branicki. And he described all this vividly in his notorious memoirs.

Is this not enough to arouse interest in the Warsaw episode of the adventures of Giacomo Casanova as shown in a new ballet by Krzysztof Pastor with the fabulous set design by the Oscar-winning Gianni Quaranta?