Key Facts:
Dangerous Liaisons, a 200-year-old tale of betrayal, cruelty and corruption, returns to seduce Queensland Ballet audiences once more, taking centre stage at the Thomas Dixon Centre from 2 – 18 October, 2025.
Dangerous Liaisons will feature Georgia Swan in the principal role of the cruel Marquise de Merteuil and making his debut, Edison Manuel as the cynical Vicomte de Valmont. Locked into a seductive and perilous dance of power, they blend elegance with menace in their intoxicating web of desire and deceit.
Brisbane, 2 October, 2025; Dangerous Liaisons, a 200-year-old tale of betrayal, cruelty and corruption, returns to seduce Queensland Ballet audiences once more, taking centre stage at the Thomas Dixon Centre from 2 – 18 October, 2025. Due to overwhelming demand, two additional matinee performances have been added, Friday 10 October and Friday 17 October, 1.30pm.
Telling the story of two bored aristocrats who spin a web of intrigue and malice, Dangerous Liaisons uses rich choreography and storytelling to showcase why this masterpiece is still relevant today.
Following on from its successful premiere and sold-out season in 2019, Dangerous Liaisons will feature Georgia Swan in the principal role of the cruel Marquise de Merteuil and making his debut, Edison Manuel as the cynical Vicomte de Valmont. Locked into a seductive and perilous dance of power, they blend elegance with menace in their intoxicating web of desire and deceit.
Artistic Director, Ivan Gil-Ortega said the production reimagines the 18th century story for today's audiences, shining a light on the timeless themes of class divides and societal scheming.
"First published in 1782, the book was considered one of the most scandalous novels in European literature, but this is a progressive and rich interpretation of the original story. A woman navigating a man's world, the large divide between rich and poor, and that through careful manipulation you can remain at the top. It is not only hugely powerful but has great resonance today," Gil-Ortega said.
"With luscious costumes by renowned New Zealand designer, Tracy Grant Lord capturing the finery of aristocratic Parisian society, this production is an opportunity for audiences to witness sumptuous choreography by the late Liam Scarlett, and rich storytelling in the intimate surrounds of the Thomas Dixon Centre. The response from our audiences has been overwhelming and we are thrilled to announce two additional performances," Gil-Ortega added.
Revelling in her shared game of emotional manipulation and brazen seduction of the unsuspecting victims, Georgia Swan said that what she finds so fascinating about her character and relationship with Valmont is that, at its core, it is a story about war and then, love.
"It really is a battle of wills disguised as seduction. Every step, every glance, every lift, is a strategic move. But amidst the manipulation, there is unexpected vulnerability eloquently captured by Liam's choreography. It is both heartbreaking and joyous to dance," Swan said.
Making his debut in the role of Vicomte de Valmont, Edison Manuel said he was relishing the opportunity to play a powerful and scheming character on stage.
"Valmont is frightening, vane and irresistible! These are powerful emotions which Liam's choreography allows us to portray with clarity and cleverness," Manuel said.
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