The love affair started the moment I walked into the University of Victoria’s Phoenix Theatre and saw the set; my heart broke the moment Les Liaisons Dangereuses ended.
Les Liaisons Dangereuses is a story, set in the 1780s, of two rivals who use sex as a weapon of manipulation, unapologetically ruining many people before they themselves are brought down by their own actions.
Everyone involved in putting on this play were pros and made it very easy for the audience to have a great appreciation for the characters. For example, Le Vicomte de Valmont, played by Aidan Correia, is a recognizable fiend that is very prevalent, even today. I love to hate absolutely everything about him.
But there is nothing but love for La Marquise de Merteuil, played by Adriana Marchand. Even when she is conniving and cruel, she states the reasons why concisely and powerfully, leaving no doubts as to what it’s like to be a woman in a man’s world. Marchand is poised, elegant, and graceful. I found myself watching her expressive face as she spoke and her gown when she moved. While every actor that appeared on stage was impeccably dressed, Merteuil’s clothes were arguably the most beautiful.
The set was also stunning. A chandelier hangs from the ceiling; the floorboards—worn and white—match the distressed furniture. The curtains drape in a way that begs to be touched, and I loved the moment they floated to the floor.
I’ve never seen a production that so closely resembled a dance. I highly recommend seeing Les Liaisons Dangereuses; it’s so good that I intend to go to it again.
Les Liaisons Dangereuses
Until Saturday, November 26
(pre-show lecture at 7 pm on Friday, November 18)
$15 for students, UVic’s Phoenix Theatre
finearts.uvic.ca/theatre