Les Liaisons Dangereuses

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Les Liaisons Dangereuses

Full-Length Play, Drama  /  6w, 4m

By Christopher Hampton
From the novel by Choderlos de Laclos

A tale of seduction and treachery among aristocrats in pre-revolutionary France, this is classic drama – adapted into the Oscar-winning film Dangerous Liaisons – explores decadent sexuality, manipulation and a ruthless battle for power.

Image: Joan Marcus

Les Liaisons Dangereuses

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  • Cast Size
    Cast Size
    6w, 4m
  • Duration
    Duration
    More than 120 minutes (2 hours)
  • SubGenre
    Subgenre
    Period
  • Audience
    Target Audience
    Adult
Accolades
Accolades
  • Winner! 1986 Olivier Award for Best New Play
    Nominee: Seven 1987 Tony Awards, including Best Play

Details

Summary
A tale of seduction set among the aristocrats in pre-revolutionary France, this is classic drama explores decadent sexuality, morals and manipulation played as the ultimate game, with tragic results. The Royal Shakespeare Company’s stunning production met with acclaim in Stratford, in London and on Broadway. The Oscar-winning film adaptation, Dangerous Liaisons, starred Glenn Close, John Malkovich, Michelle Pfeiffer and Uma Thurman.
History
Les Liaisons Dangereuses was first produced by the Royal Shakespeare Company at The Other Place, Stratford-upon-Avon on 24 September 1985. Directed by Howard Davies, the production starred Lindsay Duncan, Alan Rickman and Juliet Stevenson. The play was subsequently produced at the Pit, Barbican, on 8 January 1986, featuring the same three leading actors. Les Liaisons Dangereuses premiered on Broadway at the Music Box Theatre on April 30, 1987. Again directed by Davies, the Broadway production starred Duncan and Rickman, with Suzanne Burden replacing Stevenson as La Présidente de Tourvel.
Cast Attributes
Keywords
Performing Groups
LA MARQUISE DE MERTEUIL
MME DE VOLANGES
CÉCILE VOLANGES
MAJOR-DOMO
LE VICOMTE DE VALMONT
AZOLAN
MME DE ROSEMONDE
LA PRÉSIDENTE DE TOURVEL
ÉMILIE
LE CHEVALIER DANCENY
  • Time Period 18th Century
  • Setting Paris and the Bois de Vincennes, one autumn/winter in the 1780s.
  • Features Period Costumes
  • Duration More than 120 minutes (2 hours)

Media

“A compelling evening of malicious wit.” – The New York Times

“An evening of high comedy, high drama and surprising passion.” – New York Post

“Perfect.” – New York Daily News

Photos

  • Les Liaisons Dangereuses

    Image: Joan Marcus

Licensing & Materials

  • Minimum Fee: £85 per performance plus VAT when applicable.
    This title may have restrictions in place for London based productions. Please submit a licence request to confirm specific availability.

Scripts

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Authors

Christopher Hampton

Christopher Hampton

Christopher Hampton became involved in theatre while studying French and German at Oxford University, and wrote a play in his first year.

The Royal Court's subsequent production was so successful that it transferred to the Comedy Theatre while he was still a student, making hi ...

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Author

Choderlos de Laclos

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