It never gets old. Written by Pierre Choderlos de Laclos and published in 1782, this epistolary novel retains its twisted power in just about any treatment—though the 1988 film with Glenn Close, John Malkovich, Michelle Pfeiffer, and Uma Thurman is perhaps first among equals. The conniving Marquise de Merteuil now returns, played by Lesley Manville at the National Theatre, in a production that uses Christopher Hampton’s brilliant adaptation of Laclos. Aidan Turner stars as the equally manipulative Vicomte de Valmont, who plots to seduce the innocent Madame de Tourvel, portrayed by Monica Barbaro. Marianne Elliott directs. Let the games begin! —Jeanne Malle