Ellerslie Theatrical Society Presents Les Liaisons Dangereuses

Les Liaisons Dangereuses is written by Christopher Hampton and directed by Julian Toy-Cronin. The show will play 15 to 24 March 2012 at 8pm. 

Matinees Sunday 18 and Saturday 24 March at 2pm
No show Monday 19 March

For long-time friends and occasional lovers Vicomte de Valmont and Marquise de Merteuil, love is simply a game. The thrill is definitely in the pursuit and the more challenging the subject the more prestige in the conquest. Valmont’s latest target is the virtuous Mme de Tourvel who resists at the urging of an anonymous confidante. When Valmont discovers the identity of the confidante, Mme de Volanges, he and Merteuil plot to destroy the respectability of her family and the innocence of her daughter, Cecile. This is a twisted tale of seduction as sport, where the pursuit of sex and power is as important as it is inconsequential. Flirtations lead to encounters and dangerous liaisons – all intended to inflict maximum damage.

Originally staged by the Royal Shakespeare Company in 1985, it has played on the West End and Broadway, including a revival in 2008. The play was also adapted to the film Dangerous Liaisons in 1988. Notable actors to have played Merteuil include Lindsay Duncan, Glenn Close and Laura Linney. Alan Rickman and John Malkovich have been among those to play Valmont.

Filled with seduction, betrayal, and plenty of illicit passion, this dark comedy paints the pre-Revolutionary French aristocracy in all its cynicism and decadence.

For more info visit: http://www.ellerslietheatre.co.nz/ets/default.asp

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