Christopher Hampton’s LES LIAISONS DANGEREUSES, from the novel by Choderlos de Laglos, featuring the game playing and manipulations of two aristocrats, the Valmont and the Marquise, has captured audience’s imaginations for over 25 years, since its debut Royal Shakespeare production in London in 1985, directed by Howard Davies. Many will be familiar with the film version starring Glenn Close and John Malkovich and the contemporary film adaptation CRUEL INTENTIONS.
Griffin Artistic Director Sam Strong impresses with a stylish, evocative revival in his opening production for the Sydney Theatre Company.
Strong’s production communicates the themes of the play well. Above all, Hampton’s play depicts the huge head (and power and lust!) trip of its two central characters, the Marquise and Valmont. We follow as they play out the most intricate of card games, calculating so many moves ahead.
There’s no time to be bored with this production. Strong’s production is fast moving with the actors working their entrances and exits at breakneck speed.
The cast deliver strong performances. In the main roles, Pamela Rabe is the stand-out. Slipping on a platinum wig for the role, she plays a chilling, spiteful Marquise. Hugo Weaving is compelling as the confident Lothario, Valmont. Justine Clarke as de Tourvel and Geraldine Hakewill as Cecile Volanges give well realised performances as Valmont’s two main targets for seduction.
Strong’s creative team excels. Hartley T. A. Kemp bathes the stage in a hazy glow, perfect for the play. Dale Ferguson’s elegant set, featuring a living room area dominated by two chaise lounges, and back-grounded by an entrance area which fitted in a pianist tinkling away at a grand piano, worked well. Alan John’s score and Mel Page’s costumes are of the usual high standard.
As an endnote, just feeling the sparks fly in a beautifully directed and played out scene where Valmont finally breaks through the resistance of Clarke is, alone, worth the price of admission.
LES LIAISONS DANGEREUSES opened at Wharf 1 Sydney Theatre Company, Pier 4, Hickson Road, Walsh Bay on Thursday 5th April and plays until Saturday 9th June, 2012.
© David Kary
9th April, 2012
Tags: Sydney Theatre Reviews- Les Liaisons Dangereuses, Christopher Hampton, Choderlos de Laclos’s, Wharf 1 Sydney Theatre Company, Sam Strong, Justine Clarke, Geraldine Hakewill, Pamela Rabe, Hugo Weaving, Dale Ferguson, Meg Page, Hartley Kemp, Alan John, Brett Boardman, Sydney Arts Guide, David Kary.