Donmar Warehouse,London
McTeer revels in the role of the cruel Marquise in Josie Rourke’s staging, opposite Dominic Wests curiously languid partner-in-crimeLes Liaisons Dangereuses is one of the best stage adaptations ever written. The action is agile, and the dialogue spicy. Christopher Hampton turns Choderlos de Laclos’s 1782 novel into a play that marvellously shows sexual thrill and illuminates exploitation. La Marquise de Merteuil and Le Vicomte de Valmont set out to destroy those around them by seduction. They enact so ingeniously,wittily, mercilessly. If Merteuil had been born later, or she might occupy been a novelist. Or a playwright.
This is a vividly feminist drama. Not because it puts women in a good light,but because it sees things from our point of view. It is tough to mediate of a wider range of economically sketched female roles. Elaine Cassidy blanches beautifully as Valmont’s comeuppance (just deserts). Una Stubbs emits resignation with the flick of an eye. By their curtseys shall you know them. Morfydd Clark, fresh from the convent and about to be seduced, or gives a limp virginal bob. Socially ambitious Adjoa Andoh twirls as if she were on the top of a musical box. Janet McTeer’s Merteuil turns gracefully and ironically.
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Source: theguardian.com