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Liaisons that are wicked and wonderful
07 March 2010 Helen Boylan, On Stage
Les Liaisons Dangereuses
By Christopher Hampton Gate Theatre, Dublin, until April 24
Rating: ****
This exploration of the power of seduction, revenge and malice has been intriguing audiences since 1782.Within the first month of publication, Choderlos de Laclos’s original novel sold 1,000 copies, a large number for the time.
More than two centuries later, the bodice-ripping story of rival aristocrats who use sex as a weapon in a web of cruel games is as fresh as ever, thanks to British playwright Christopher Hampton, who turned the book into a play in 1985. In 1988 he adapted it for the film Dangerous Liaisons, starring John Malkovich, Glenn Close, Michelle Pfeiffer and Uma Thurman.
This theatrical version, directed by Michael Barker Caven, does ample justice to Hampton’s play. In addition to the skills of the 12-strong cast - featuring musician Maria Tecce’s debut at the Gate - this production also provides a platform for the stunning period costumes designed by Simon Higlett.
The pale golds, creams, powder blues and pastel greens of these intricate garments are further complemented by Higlett’s elegant set of tall, sliding walls with panelled windows and chaise longues.
The Marquise de Merteuil (Fiona Bell) is the first of the two rival friends-cum-former lovers to glide into view. As a luminescent stage establishes the opulent ambience of the time.
Merteuil, the self-described virtuoso of deceit, is entrusted as the confidante and adviser to the young, virginal Cécile de Volanges (Jane McGrath) whose mother has recently taken her out of a convent to be married. Cécile, meanwhile, is in love with another young man, Le Chevalier Danceny (Paul Reid) who, ‘‘like most intellectuals [is] intensely stupid’’, says Merteuil.
When her silver-haired and silver-tongued rival Le Vicomte de Valmont (Nick Dunning) appears and is introduced to Cécile, Merteuil has begun concocting a plan for him to seduce Cécile, to ‘ruin’ her before her wedding night. Valmont, on the other hand, thinks Merteuil’s proposition is not challenging enough for a man of his reputation for charming deviousness.
He has other ideas. The object of Valmont’s fascination is the beautiful, pious and married Madame de Tourvel (a perfectly cast Catherine Walker). When questioned by Merteuil why he would want to corrupt Tourvel in such a way, he responds that he has no intention of breaking down her prejudices. He wants her to believe in God, virtue and the sanctity of marriage, and still not be able to resist him.
‘‘I want the excitement of watching her betray everything that’s is most important to her," he says. ‘‘Surely you understand that. I thought betrayal was your favourite word?"
‘‘No. ‘Cruelty’. I always think that has a nobler ring to it," says Merteuil Audiences familiar with the film Dangerous Liaisons will hear much that is familiar here. Sharp dialogue and pleasing aesthetics promulgate the rivals’ intelligence, menace, wealth and boredom - which result in a power struggle that snowballs towards disaster.
The start time for evening shows is earlier than usual, at 7.30pm, and Saturday matinées on selected dates start at 2.30pm
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