Theatre Production: 'Les Liaisons Dangereuses'

Playwright Christopher Hampton adapted the 1782 novel Les Liaisons Dangereuses into a stage production of the same name in 1985. Les Liaisons Dangereuses explores the decadence and sensuality of the 18th century French aristocracy. The plot focuses on the Marquise de Merteuil and the Vicomte de Valmont, rivals who use sex as a weapon of humiliation and degradation, all the while enjoying their cruel games. Their targets are the virtuous, and married, Madame de Tourvel and Cécile de Volanges, a young girl who has fallen in love with her music tutor, the Chevalier Danceny. In order to gain their trust, Merteuil and Valmont pretend to help the secret lovers so they can use them later in their own treacherous schemes.