Complex characters: A scene from Dangerous Liaisons by Dragonfly Theatre Co and Sai Gon Sound System. — VNS Photo Sunny Rose

by Vo Le Hong

HCM CITY (VNS)— Dragonfly Theatre Co and Sai Gon Sound System are set to stage Dangerous Liaisons, an English play based on the classic novel Les Liaisons Dangereuses by Choderlos De Laclos.

Directed by Jaime Zuniga and Aaron Toronto, Dangerous Liaisons is a tale of seduction, betrayal and revenge set in the morally corrupt world of the aristocracy of pre-revolutionary France.

It was made famous by a 1988 film of the same name, and has been adapted many times the world over.

American Toronto, who acted as the gracious pilot in The Little Prince, now becomes an unfaithful lover, Vicomte de Valmont.

Briton Belinda Smith acts as Merteuil, a very complex character. Women in that era had no power but Merteuil is immensely powerful because she uses sex and love to dominate men.

Nguyen Lan Phuong will play Madame de Tourvel.

Vietnamese actress Nguyen Lan Phuong will perform the role of Madame de Tourvel. Phuong's breakout role was ‘Mai Lan' in Co Gai Xau Xi (The Ugly Girl), adapted from American TV programme Ugly Betty. Vu Pham Diem My plays Cecile de Volanges in her Dragonfly debut.

Despite her youth, Diem My has worked for many years in the entertainment industry, starting out as a child actor in 1995. She is a well known model, MC and actress.

Her most popular roles to date have been her starring roles in the breakout hit film last Lunar New Year season, My Nhan Ke (Devices' Beauty), and the currently-running TV series Vay Hong Tang 24 (Dress up Ladies in 24th Floor).

She is also a well-known model and emcee.

The play is co-directed by Nicaraguan actor/director Jaime Zuniga, who burst on to the HCM City theatre scene in 2011 with a colorful presentation of The Importance of Being Earnest.

Toronto has been in the Vietnamese film and television industry for nine years as director, editor, actor, and producer, being assistant director in such films as Fool For Love,Passport to Love and Sai Gon Yo!

Dangerous Liaisons is Dragonfly's fourth production.

It is R rated, with a recommendation that children under the age of 16 be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Performances are planned on October 18, 19, 26, and 27 at Q4 Event Space, 7 Nguyen Tat Thanh Street, District 4.

They will be presented with Vietnamese supertitles. — VNS