The Red and Black

Issue date: 4/8/09 Section: Variety

Media Credit: LESLY ONSTOTT Cast members rehearse Dangerous Liaisons in Cellar Theatre of the fine arts building on Sunday. [Click to enlarge]

In 1782, in the decadence of pre-revolutionary France, Pierre Choderlos de Laclos published a book called "Dangerous Liaisons."

At the time, explains University professor George Contini, the book was thought scandalous and considered pornography, but this only served to make it more popular. Even Marie Antoinette - who used a book cover to make her copy look like the Bible - was a fan.

For its final performance this year, the Department of Theatre and Film Studies is producing its own version of "Dangerous Liaisons."

The play will "explore themes of exhibitionism and voyeurism … and how these characters' identities are formed by whether they are exhibitionists or voyeurs," said Contini, the play's director.

Because the play will be performed in the Cellar Theatre, the stage will be arranged so the audience can sit on both sides, and at times sheer curtains will veil the action.

"The audience is watching the audience watch the show," Contini said of the play's setup.

"Dangerous Liaisons" focuses on the complicated relationship between Merteuil and Valmont, two French aristocrats.

"Merteuil and Valmont are two very devious aristocrats with too much time on their hands, and they have made a game of seducing and sometimes ruining their fellow aristocrats," said Ruth Crews, a master's of fine arts student from Fayetteville, N.C., and the play's assistant director and dramaturg.

Norman Ferguson, a master's of fine arts student from Birmingham, Ala., plays Valmont. "He enjoys life. A lot of times he enjoys life at other people's expense," Ferguson said.

Koquina Forte, a master's of fine arts student from Los Angeles, Calif., plays the Marquise de Merteuil.

Continued...

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