Based on the classic French novel by Choderlos de Laclos', Hampton's acclaimed stage adaptation tells the story of two French aristocratic rivals who use sex as a weapon and view life itself as a game to win through strategy and trickery. Many would be familiar with the Oscar winning film adaptation of the play, Dangerous Liaisons. That Production Company's creation of this classic story is a welcome addition to the Brisbane Theatre scene.
The Marquis de Merteuil asks Vicomte de Valmont to seduce the young and naïve, Cécile De Volanges, whose mother has only recently brought her out of a convent to be married to the Merteuil’s former lover. Meanwhile Cecile has fallen in love with her music tutor, Le Chevalier Danceny. Valmont considers Cecile too easy a game and is more interested in seducing the virtuous and married, Madame de Tourvel. Merteuil promises Valmont a single night of passion upon seeing written proof of his victory over Tourvel. When Valmont discovers that Madame de Volanges has been warning Tourvel about him, he accepts Merteuil’s task and sets about the seduction of Cécile. Although Cécile becomes pregnant by Valmont, Merteuil is more jealous of Valmont’s pursuit of Tourvel. In response, she takes Danceny as her new lover. When Valmont produces a letter from Tourvel and claims victory, Merteuil refuses to honour her part of the bargain. Merteuil and Valmont declare war on each other. Danceny and Valmont fight a duel over Cecil’s honour and Valmont is fatally wounded. However, before Valmont dies, he warns Danceny to beware of Merteuil and asks him to promise to tell Tourvel of his undying love for her. Upon hearing of Valmont’s death, Tourvel succumbs to a fever and dies, Cécile returns to the convent and Danceny’s leaves for Malta. But in the final scene, as Merteuil is looking forward to what the future may hold, an ensemble cast appear with guillotine axes. There is a sense that Merteuil will experience a violent reprisal for her decadence.
It is exciting to see the work of an extremely creative and youthful team. But this is an ambitious piece for theatre in the round. The play is divided into 2 acts each spanning a few months and comprising nine scenes set in different locations. Frequent and significant scene changes need to occur before an audience. Directors, Timothy Winn and Justin Swann, collaborated with Designer, Michelle Zahner, to meet this challenge. The set consists of a raised, circular stage which provides prop storage. The ensemble cast rearrange or take furniture on and off stage between scenes to ensure that there is a minimalistic set through the play. The scene changes could easily have become cumbersome but are an integral part of the drama unfolding before the audience. The ensemble place the funishings at different angles for each scene allowing the audience to see a different perspective of the onstage action. Occasionally, I was unable to see the faces of the actors onstage - either because they were obstructed by other actors or because the actors were facing the other side of the theatre.
Although costumes lean towards the 18th century, the minimalistic set and the colour theme of red, white and black provide a timeless feel to the piece. The independent production team provide some budget conscious ways of creating the appearance of opulence - a wrought iron 2 seater garden table, spray painted red and complete with a decanter and glasses, invites the audience into another world.
Emily Gilhome as Tourvel is wonderful as the married woman, torn between her passion for Valmont and the duty to her husband. Julie Cotterell as Mademosielle De Volanges is also a standout. Whilst the performances of Adam Brunes as Valmont and Gretchen Johnson as the Marquis are solid, there could be be more chemistry between them. It is often difficult to believe they are skilled in the art of seduction and capable of conquering their respective targets. The largely young cast show great promise. Chris Farrell as the effeminate and shy, Danceny, and Chloe Tara as the playful courtesan, Emelie, fully realise the comic aspects of Hampton’s witty script. Michaela Sherry is perfectly cast as the naïve and innocent, Cécile.
The 2 Act plays runs for 3 hours including intermission and moves at a good pace despite its length. It is showing at the Roundhouse Theatre until 7 November 2009.
Please note: The production contains high level sexual references, high level adult themes and medium level violence.
