John Malkovich to Direct Modern Production of Les Liaisons Dangereuses in Washington, D.C.

It's been nearly 25 years since John Malkovich scorched up the big screen in Dangerous Liasons, and the the actor is still fond of the steamy story. Malkovich will direct a French-language production of Les Liasons Dangereuses at the Lansburgh Theatre in Washington D.C., according to the New York Times. The Shakespeare Theatre Company's presentation of Théâtre de l'Atelier's production will run December 6 through 9.

Presented as part of the STC Presents Series, which brings international productions to theatregoers in the D.C. area, the production sets the classic story in the 21st century and will feature English subtitles.

Les Liaisons Dangereuses follows members of the young French elite with too much money and time on their hands. Two former lovers, the Marquise de Merteuil and Vicomte de Valmont, spend their days spinning webs of desire and deceit. Motivated by revenge, lust and competitive impulses in turn, they find new victims in the persons of the young Cécile de Volanges and the virtuous Madame de Tourvel.

Malkovich garnered praise for his chilling portrayal of the charming yet calculating Vicomte de Valmont, opposite Glenn Close and Michelle Pfieffer, in the Academy Award-winning 1988 film adaption of the novel-turned-play, Dangerous Liaisons. His other stage directing credits include Balm in Gilead, The Caretaker and Arms and the Man.