Les liaisons dangereuses is a play by Christopher Hampton adapted from the 1782 novel of the same title by Pierre Choderlos de Laclos. The plot focuses on the Marquise de Merteuil and the Vicomte de Valmont, rivals who use sex as a weapon of humiliation and degradation, all the while enjoying their cruel games. Their targets are the virtuous (and married) Madame de Tourvel and Cécile de Volanges, a young girl who has fallen in love with her music tutor, the Chevalier Danceny. In order to gain their trust, Merteuil and Valmont pretend to help the secret lovers so they can use them later in their own treacherous schemes.
Synopsis
The action takes place in various salons and bedrooms in a number of hotels and chateauxs in and around Paris and in the Bois de Vincennes, one autumn and winter in the 1780's.
Characters
- Major-domo
- La Marquise de Merteuil
- Mme. de Volanges
- Cecile Volanges
- Le Vicomte de Valmont
- Azolan, Valmont's valet de chambre
- Mme. de Rosemonde
- La Presidente de Tourvel
- Emilie, a courtesan
- Le Chevalier Danceny
Production History
Opening | Venue | Company |
---|---|---|
Sep 24, 1985 | The Other Place | Royal Shakespeare Company |
Jan 8, 1986 | The Pit | Royal Shakespeare Company |
Oct 1986 | Ambassadors Theatre | Royal Shakespeare Company |
Apr 30, 1987 | Music Box Theatre | Royal Shakespeare Company |
May 1, 2008 | American Airlines Theatre | Roundabout Theatre Company |
2012 | Wharf Theatre | Sydney Theatre Company |