¡QUIJÓTERES! is a 45-minute, bilingual play that brings to life just a few threads from the many tangled and interwoven stories of Miguel de Cervantes' classic, Don Quixote (El Ingenioso hidalgo Don Quijote de la Mancha).
The play is designed with two audiences in mind:
- For young children it offers a funny, action-packed introduction to Spanish and to Cervantes' unforgettable knight. With humor and adventure at its heart, it sparks curiosity and encourages kids to want to learn more.
- For students and scholars it highlights the beauty of the original Spanish language, the depth of the characters and their relationships, and the innovative storytelling that has earned Don Quixote its place as the first modern novel.
Of course, reducing a nearly 1,000-page novel requires serious cutting, this adaptation stays true to the core values and spirit of Cervantes' work. Audiences will experience key moments such as Don Quixote's preparations as a knight, the first meeting with Sancho Panza, battles with armies and giants, encounters with Sansón Carrasco (an early fan of the novel), and even a playful puppet show within a puppet show led by the Cervantes' own famous puppeteer, Maese Pedro.
Whether you speak Spanish or English, know Don Quixote well or are meeting him for the first time, this award-winning shadow puppet production by the Dragoncillo Puppet Troupe promises delight for all ages.
This FREE production is made possible in partnership with Institute for Research in the Humanities (IRH) at UW-Madison in tandem with the UW Center for the Humanities.
Upcoming Events
Wisconsin Book Festival
October 25, 10-11 am | Central Library
More than 50 young writers submitted their work to the 2025 WE READ Youth Voices writing contest and their work will be featured on this years WE READ Youth Voices Anthology. From 9-10 am the young writers and their families are invited to join an author reception and culminating celebration were they'll get a change to pick up their copies of the anthology. Following the reception and hosted by the Wisconsin Book Festival, kids, families and the general public are invited to attend the youth-focused shadow puppet show ¡Quijóteres!. This adaptation of Miguel de Cervantes' loving lunatic, Don Quijote de la Mancha. will emphasize the novels intensely comical depiction of the ridiculous.
No registration is required for this free event.
Meadowridge Library
October 25, 11:30-5pm | Meadowridge Library
Following the show at Central Library, the Dragoncillo puppet troupe will make it's way to Meadowridge Library to host a second show. So, in case you missed the show at Central Library you have a chance to see them at Meadowridge and just like the previous event, this is a free production and it doesn't require registration, just come ready to enjoy the show.