Subversive and controversial, Pierre Choderlos de Laclos’ novel “Dangerous Liaisons”, upon which this ballet is modeled, represents the critique of the 18^th century French aristocrats, who relied on the monarchy and ancien régime. The author narrates the cruel love games of seduction and exposes the demon characters opposing them with the delicate world of the virtuous Madame de Tourvel. In the 20^th century, the novel experienced its film and theatre “Renaissance”, which led to multiple film productions of “Dangerous Liaisons”, with the, perhaps, most notable one being director Stephen Frears’ adaptation, staring Glenn Close as the Marchioness, John Malkovich as Valmont and Michelle Pfeiffer as Madame de Tourvel.

The Festival’s first ever ballet premiere direction and choreography was taken on by the charismatic Valentina Turcu, student of Maurice Béjart and receiver of many awards, and  Leo Mujić, an equally sought after choreographer and dancer across Europe, whom the Croatian public remembers well from the ballet “Ana Karenjina”, which premiered this past winter in the Croatian National Theatre in Zagreb, under the direction of Mujić, himself.  This duo chose the choreography’s music composed by the likes Georg F. Händel, Johann S. Bach, Antonio Vivaldi and other Baroque masters. Other authors which guarantee for a top ballet experience are costume designer  Alan Hranitelj, scene designer Ivan Kirinčić, light designer Alexandar Čavlek, Anton Bogov in the role of Vicomtea de Valmonta, Jelena Lečić as Marquise de Merteuil and Catarina de Meneses as Madame de Tourvel. Supporting roles are achieved by members of the ballet ensemble of SNG Maribor.

The premiere of the ballet “Dangerous Liaisons” is scheduled on the Festival’s programme for 20^th August, with additional performances taking place on 21^st and 22^nd August, after which it will be performed on Križanke as part of the Ljubljana Festival on 28^th August, as well as in SNG Maribor on 7^th November.

Tickets for the ballet premiere are available online at www.dubrovnik-festival.hr, at the Festival’s box offices in the Festival’s Palace, in the Visia Multimedia Center and Luža Culture and Information Center.