The Denison theatre department will continue its 74th subscription series withLes Liaisons Dangereusesby Tony Award winner Christopher Hampton at 8 p.m., Friday and Saturday (Nov. 12-13) and Monday-Friday (Nov. 15-19) in Ace Morgan Theatre (211 West College St.) Admission is $8 general admission, $5 for senior citizens, and $4 for non-Denison students. Season subscriptions are also available. To reserve tickets or to request a season brochure call (740) 587-6231.

Les Liaisons Dangereuses, which ran for nearly 2000 performances in the West End, tells the story of two decadent aristocrats who weave a web of intrigue, sex, and revenge in the salons and boudoirs in and around Paris. Former lovers and now co-conspirators in deceit, they contrive to rule and ruin their victims.

The production is directed by Assistant Professor of Theatre Anne D'Zmura who commented, "The play investigates the sort of society that can create monsters like some of the characters. How does society allow them to exist, not be ostracized, and even embraced? The play poses the questions 'What are our desires?' and 'What kind of people does our society want to create and embrace?' I challenge the audience to look for parallels between historical France and the contemporary world, and also to look for hypocrisy and how it is encouraged by money. The piece challenges the audience to look at the world as a political puzzle.'

Hampton's drama is a masterly adaptation of the scandalous 18th century novel by Choderlos de Laclos, who was writing about sex and power, not romance. In 1988 Hampton won the Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay (from his own play) forDangerous Liaisons, which starred John Malkovich, Glenn Close and Michelle Pfeiffer. Because of partial nudity and sexual references,Les Liaisons Dangereusesis recommended for adults only.

Denison's last production of the play, in November of 1991, featured Jennifer Garner as Emilie. Although she was only a sophomore at the time, it was already her fifth role in a mainstage play.

This year's production is directed by Assistant Professor of Theatre Anne D'Zmura. Huddie Williams serves as assistant director. Associate Professor of Theatre Peter Pauzé is the lighting designer, and Andrew Johns is the technical director. Ashleigh Diver serves as stage manager, while Timothy Henson is assistant stage manager. Julie Rogers is Dramaturg. Two Denison seniors, Aileen Zeigler and Sarah Casebolt, will serve as scenic designer and costume designer, respectively.

Cast members include seniors Johnny Brown (Carrboro, N.C.), Brittany Klintworth (Salt Lake City, Utah), Drew Lichtenberg (Pelham, Mass.), juniors Caitlin McCown (Beloit, Wis.), Greg Polsen (Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla.), Tariq Vasudeva (New Delhi, India), sophomore Gretchen Vogt (Delaware) and freshmen Erin Currie (Avon Lake), Danya ElZein (Dayton), Jason Ginter (Juneau, Alaska), Brendan Hartney (Redding, Conn.) Mary Kidney (Washington, D.C.), Kehler Relick (Springboro), and Dana Williams (Concord, Mass.).

About Denison:

Denison University, founded in 1831, is an independent, residential liberal arts institution located in Granville, Ohio. A highly selective college enrolling 2,100 full-time undergraduate students from all 50 states and dozens of foreign countries, Denison is a place where innovative faculty and motivated students collaborate in rigorous scholarship, civic engagement and the cultivation of independent thinking.

For press inquiries:

Name

Barbara Stambaugh

Position Title

Director, Media Relations

Primary Email

stambaughb@denison.edu

Business Phone

(740) 587-8575