BAM presents Isabelle Huppert in Heiner Muller’s Quartett 11/4-14
Inspired by Choderlos de Laclos' novel Les Liaisons Dangereuses, German playwright Heiner Müller's (1929-1995) Quartett is the foundation for this visually stylized yet visceral production from director Robert Wilson, "a towering figure in the world of experimental theater" (The New York Times). In this quintessentially Wilsonian war of the sexes, Müller's text (only twelve pages in the original) is expanded into a stately danced prologue and eight scenes featuring the director's signature spare, stunning tableaux-turning every calculated movement into a gorgeous and provocative revelation of character.
Cynical libertine Madame de Merteuil is played by iconic French actress Isabelle Huppert-this year's Cannes Film Festival Jury President, last seen at BAM in 4.48 Psychose (2005 Next Wave Festival)-in a "sinuous, haughty" performance (The Financial Times), opposite Ariel Garcia Valdès as scheming seducer Monsieur de Valmont. Framed by blood-red curtains, and enhanced by Michael Galasso's dramatic score, the action taking place on stage-while based on a familiar story-is re-imagined through Wilson's distinctive aesthetic lens.
Quartett is the annuAl Richard B. Fisher Next Wave Presentation, which receives special support from the Peter Jay Sharp Foundation.
BAM 2009 Next Wave Festival is part of New Works and Diverse Voices at BAM sponsored by Time Warner Inc. Leadership support for the Next Wave Festival is provided by The Ford Foundation.QuartettBy Heiner Müller
Odéon-Théâtre de l'Europe
Conceived and directed by Robert Wilson
Music by Michael GalassoSet and lighting by Robert Wilson
Translated by Jean Jourdheuil and Béatrice Perregaux
Costume design by Frida Parmeggiani
Co-direction by Ann-Christin Rommen
Lighting design by AJ Weissbard
Make-up design by Luc Verschueren
Scenic design by Stephanie EngelnWith: Isabelle Huppert, Ariel Garcia Valdès, Rachel Eberhart, Benoît MaréchalCo-produced by La Comédie de Genève and Théâtre du Gymnase/Marseille.
Nov 4-7, 10-14 at 7:30pm; Nov 8 at 3pm
Tickets: $25, 45, 65, 75
718.636.4100 or BAM.orgIn French with English titlesArtist Talk: Robert Wilson and Tony Kushner on Heiner Müller
Nov 1 at 6pm
BAMcafé
Tickets: $15 ($7.50 for Friends of BAM)
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