Media Release
Passion Unleashed: Dangerous Liaisons Opens at the Thomas Dixon Centre
Extra Performances Added
“A tour de force of acrobatic brilliance.” - Dance Australia
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.
Editors note:
Interviews; Claire Vince, cvince@queenslandballet.com.au / 0468 726 910
Images and background information here
#Fast Facts on Dangerous Liaisons
- The subject of numerous film and stage productions, Dangerous Liaisons has been recreated as a ballet production only four times: BalletMet in 1996, Alberta Ballet’s 2008 interpretation, Czech National Theatre Ballet’s in 2014 and Liam Scarlett’s acclaimed production for Queensland Ballet in 2019.
- Based on the 1782 novel by the French artillery officer, Choderlos de Laclos, there were two things that Laclos was fascinated by: family happiness and military tactics.
- Years after writing Les Liaisons Dangereuses, Laclos, who had a long and loving marriage, wrote a book on battle strategy, became a general under Napoleon and just before his death, was planning a book about conjugal bliss!
- Each performance features 33 dancers, 48 characters and 59 costumes
- Designed by renowned New Zealand theatre and opera designer, Tracy Grant Lord, there are over 600 wardrobe items including hats, wigs, jewellery and the costumes.
- More than 6000 crystals adorn the costumes.
- There are 46 skirts worn by the female dancers. Each skirt is made with 6 metres of material, totalling 222 metres of fabric.
- A specialist wig maker styles the 35 wigs and hairpieces before each performance. Due to the acrobatic and very physical choreography, the wigmaker is on hand to help glue and fix them into place before each performance.
Performance Details
Dates: 2 – 18 October, 2025. Two additional matinees on Friday 10 October & Friday 17 October, 1.30pm
Duration: two hours and 20 minutes, including one 20-minute interval.
Venue: Thomas Dixon Centre, 406 Montague Road, West End, 4101.
Tickets: Adults $149, Concession, $127, 30 years & under $129, Child $75, Group $ 127, School Group $35.
More Information and to book tickets see here
Programs
Alongside the mainstage performances, Queensland Ballet invites adults of all skill levels to take part in a ballet class where you will learn small sections of Liam Scarlett’s
Dangerous Liaisons before heading to the Talbot Theatre to see the sets and props up close and gain insights into the production and artistic process. Afterwards, guests can enjoy complimentary coffee, tea and juice as you connect with your fellow participants. The morning concludes with an opportunity to watch Queensland Ballet Young Artists Company class as they prepare for their matinee performance. To book tickets see here
A co-production between Queensland Ballet and Texas Ballet Theatre, Dangerous Liaisons was first produced in 2019 by the late British choreographer, Liam Scarlett.
Dangerous Liaisons is performed to recorded music featuring Camerata – Queensland’s Chamber Orchestra conducted by Nigel Gaynor.
Dangerous Liaisons is generously supported by Amanda, Alexandra and Claudia Talbot and the Ken Talbot Foundation.
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