Les Liaisons Dangereuses
Pierre Ambroise François Choderlos de Laclos , also known as Choderlos de Laclos, who lived from 1741-1803, was the novelist and General who wrote Les Liaisons dangereuses (1782).
The novel is in letter form and centres on themes of cynical seduction played out by high-born aristocrats. The savage tone of the novel contrasts with the vogue for high moral sentiment established by Rousseau at about the same time.
Laclos contrasted the moral licence of those who naturally assumed they were superior leaders of society with the high moral tone of the ‘natural man’ personified by the soon to be revolutionary peasant.
It is perhaps no coincidence that Laclos also commanded troops both under the post Revolutionary French Directory and then under Napoleon.
The Spread Eagle Players (Barclays Dramatic Society) will be bringing these themes alive with dramatic flair at the Bridewell Theatre in November 2009 with their performance of Christopher Hampton’s play Les Liasons Dangereuses.
Don’t miss the updates and do come and see the show.
