The National Theatre of London continues its season with “Les Liaisons Dangereuses” (Dangerous Liaisons) showing in Sedona on Sunday, March 6 at 3 p.m. The Sedona International Film Festival hosts the big screen premiere at its Mary D. Fisher Theatre.
Following the hugely successful broadcasts of “Coriolanus” and “King Lear”, National Theatre Live brings the Donmar Warehouse’s highly anticipated new production of “Les Liaisons Dangereuses” to cinemas — broadcast from the Donmar’s London home.
Directed by Josie Rourke (“Coriolanus”), the cast includes Elaine Cassidy (“The Paradise”), Janet McTeer (“The Honourable Woman”) and Dominic West (“The Wire”).
In 1782, Choderlos de Laclos’ novel of sex, intrigue and betrayal in pre-revolutionary France scandalized the world. Two hundred years later, Christopher Hampton's irresistible adaptation swept the board, winning the Olivier and Evening Standard Awards for Best Play. Josie Rourke’s revival now marks the play’s thirty year anniversary.
Former lovers, the Marquise de Merteuil and Vicomte de Valmont now compete in games of seduction and revenge. Merteuil incites Valmont to corrupt the innocent Cecile de Volanges before her wedding night but Valmont has targeted the peerlessly virtuous and beautiful Madame de Tourvel. While these merciless aristocrats toy with others’ hearts and reputations, their own may prove more fragile than they supposed.
Critics are raving about “Les Liaisons Dangereuses”, and it has garnered 4- and 5-star reviews from every major publication in London:
“Theatre at its most seductive. Dominic West proves superb, Janet McTeer makes a triumphant return to the West End.” — Evening Standard
“Heady and intoxicating. A brilliantly revived adaptation.” — Daily Telegraph
“An evening to richly savour.” — Guardian
“Director Josie Rourke has given us a Les Liaisons Dangereuses to relish.” — Sunday Times
“One of the best stage adaptations ever written.” — Observer