Dangerous Liaisons

Dangerous Liaisons, a hedonistic tale of love, virtue and humanity has been reimagined into a dramatic new ballet for mature audiences by Queensland Ballet.

The scandalous and opulent story, made famous by the 1980’s Glenn Close and John Malkovich movie, is actually a centuries old story called Les liaisons dangereuses written in the 18th-century by French novelist Pierre Choderlos de Laclos.

A tantalizingly wicked tale of seduction and manipulation, Dangerous Liaisons is a somewhat damning portrayal of the French aristocracy of the 1700s which at its time of release was considered absolutely scandalous.

Queensland Ballet Artistic Director, Li Cunxin, said the Company was excited to take on such a big story under the creative guidance of internationally acclaimed choreographer Liam Scarlett.

“If anyone can take on such a sweeping and decadent story and do it with class and sophistication, it’s Liam Scarlett,” Mr Li said.

Reflecting the 18th century French aristocracy at the heart of the story, the sets and costumes will be nothing short of breath-taking and a picture of elegance and opulence. Each character has its own specific colour palette throughout the production and the sets echo the feeling of a boudoir whilst at the same time being inherently based on the written word.

Liam Scarlett is creating this work with regular collaborators Tracy Grant Lord on sets and costumes with designer Kendall Smith behind the lighting concepts. Scarlett is also working with UK-based music arranger, Martin Yates, to create an original score for the production, which will be an eclectic amalgamation of music from ballets and operas as well as piano compositions.

“I think audiences will be captivated by this production as we unravel a story of seduction, revenge and betrayal by two main characters who will stop at nothing to get back at each other,” says Mr Li.

Need to know - Dangerous Liaisons contains adult themes and is not recommended for children.

*Adult Premium Tickets from $100 (plus booking fee).

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Images: Artists Laura Hidalgo and Alexander Idaszak, photography Juli Balla. Image courtesy Queensland Ballet