Theatre: LES LIAISONS DANGEREUSES
AUTHOR | Naomi Rossdeutscher
"Hugo Weaving's lascivious lothario seduces the audience"... Naomi
Pamela Rabe and Hugo Weaving in Sydney Theatre Company's Les Liaisons Dangereuses © Brett Boardman
BEFORE THE SHOW ...
I love theatre... actors putting themselves out there a couple of times a day. It must be exhilarating, but also exhausting. What if they woke up and just didn't feel like performing today? Is it just too bad because the show must go on? Imagine how disappointed I would be if Hugo didn't show up for the show because his voice was going or he felt like langishing in the sunshine, reading a book instead? Fortunately he did show - of course he did, he's a professional.
I was fortunate to see Hugo Weaving in Anton Chekhov's, Uncle Vanya in 2010. It was adapted by Andrew Upton and he played with Cate Blanchett, Richard Roxburgh, Hayley McElhinney, John Bell, Jacki Weaver, Anthony Phelan, Sandy Gore and Andrew Tighe.
It's the best version of Uncle Vanya I've seen and my favourite theatre going experience ever ... Naomi
Uncle Vanya was hilarious and poignant, with palpable chemistry between the cast. I was especially blown away with the intensity of the performances by Cate, Hugo and Richard. I heard Cate Blanchet managed to whack her head on the back of the bed, drawing blood, during one performance when she jumps into Hugo's arms, they kiss and fall on the bed. The play went on to be hugely successful and will be reprised at The Lincoln Centre, New York, in July. And I WISH I could go.
Also a massive fan of Stephen Frears's Oscar-nominated 1988 film version, Dangerous Liaisons, starring John Malkovich, Glenn Close, Michelle Pfeiffer, Keanu Reeves and a young Uma Thurman, I have planted myself in the front row to experience this theatrical take, LES LIAISONS DANGEREUSES and I'm pretty excited ... Naomi
WHAT IS 'LES LIAISONS DANGEREUSES' ABOUT? ...
Just like the film - an elaborate game of seduction, betrayal, cruelty, revenge and humiliation, instigated by former lovers.
LEFT ME FEELING ...
Entertained, it was witty and juicy and surprising. Although I would have loved to see it in period costume, how amazing that would have been - how visually theatrical. And, fascinated by the life of actors - Hugo as Vicomte Valmont, kisses three different women... in every show.
Heather Mitchell, Jane Harders, Hugo Weaving, Justine Clarke and Geraldine Hakewill in Sydney Theatre Company’s Les Liaisons Dangereuses © Brett Boardman
WATCH WITH ...
Any grown ups who can cope with a little bit of nudity and sex and enjoy clever dialogue.
WHO'S IN IT ...
Hugo Weaving, Pamela Rabe, Justine Clarke, Heather Mitchell, Geraldine Hakewill, directed by Sam Strong
FACTS ...
Playing at Sydney Theatre Company, Wharf 1 Theatre - it's a lovely theatre. I'd suggest you get there early and have a snack before the play and enjoy the stunning view of Sydney harbour
Pierre Choderlos de Laclos wrote the novel in 1782, composed entirely of fictional letters
Samara Weaving, Hugo's niece, who plays Indigo Walker in Home and Away, is gorgeous in the Nine to Five Magazine fashion shoot, seen on the GALLERY page above
KEEP AN EYE OUT FOR ...
Hugo Weaving's next film, CLOUD ATLAS, an epic story adapted from a David Mitchell novel, with multiple story lines that span several centuries. Also starring Susan Sarandon, Tom Hanks, Hugh Grant, Halle Berry and Ben Wishaw and due for an October release.
SEE FOR YOURSELF ...
Sydney Theatre Company, Wharf 1, Until 9 June. Bookings: 02 9250 1777 or www.sydneytheatre.com.au