"Les liaisons dangereuses" by Christopher Hampton
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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
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