Slow scene changes and costume problems hamper this production of Dangerous Liaisons at the OLT
John Muggleton (Valmont) and Venetia Lawless (la Merteuil) Photo: Alan Dean
What do British singers Adele and David Bowie have in common with pre-French Revolution society?
Very little, it seems. Yet, recordings by the 24-year-old Adele and occasional pieces by 65-year-old Bowie are director Geoff Gruson’s choice of background (and too often intrusively foreground) music for the Ottawa Little Theatre production of Christopher Hampton’s Dangerous Liaisons.
Based on the 1752 epistolatory novel by Pierre Choderlos de Laclos, the drama is about the evil games of rivals and former lovers, the Marquise de Merteuil and the Vicomte de Valmont, who use sexual connections to humiliate and destroy their victims.
Perhaps, Gruson intends the jagged disconnection between musical style and setting to raise awareness of the decadence of the French aristocracy and/or to point out that sexual degradation is timeless. However, the effect is more often jolting and starkly inappropriate for a period piece, particularly when a violinist in 18th-century costume follows the opening of 21st-century pop music.
Some issues with costuming are also evident in the production. At least two of the male characters wear ill-fitting pants that catch the eye as often as their brocade coats, for example. Then, there is a problem for audience members willing to suspend disbelief when some of the female characters change their gowns, while others do not, although the action takes place over several months.
In addition, despite the crew’s best efforts, action is slowed in a play that calls for 18 scene changes, unless a revolving set is employed in the design.
It is a relief that the performances, particularly by John Muggleton as the Vicomte de Valmont and Venetia Lawless as the Marquise de Merteuil are so strong. Heather Archibald as Madame de Tourvel brings considerable charm to the role of the woman that Valmont eventually falls in love with and Sheila Shields, as Madame de Rosemonde, brings her customary warmth to the role of Valmont’s aunt.
Dangerous Liaisons continues at Ottawa Little Theatre to June 23.
Ottawa, Iris Winston
June 7, 2012