Bent Preview
by Audrey Choi
This month, Fullerton College’s Theatre Arts Department will present one of Broadway’s most controversial plays, Bent.
Bent, written by Martin Sherman, traces the life of a gay man during the Holocaust, shedding light to the horrific experiences of homosexuals during that period.
Before the play was introduced in 1978, there was barely any mention of gays in relation to the Holocaust. Therefore, when Bent came to stage, it made a huge impact on the views of audiences all around the world.
Rather than being set during World War II, like most Holocaust literature, the play begins in 1934, a time when Hitler began the persecution of gays shortly following the purge of his Storm Troopers (SA). The leader of the SA was gay and his fall gave Hitler an excuse to go after homosexuals.
The play ends at around the year 1936, a time when most of the world didn’t know concentration camps existed.
Garrett Gamarra, theatre major at FC, plays one of the Nazi officers. When asked about how he dealt with difficult scenes he responded, “you just kind of don’t think about it, how horrible it is.”
Max Berger is the main character in Bent, and the play follows his ghastly experiences as a homosexual during those years. The character Max is played by Fullerton College student, Alex MaKardish.
“It [the role] wasn’t difficult. I have many friends that are homosexual that have been through many hurtful experiences,” said MaKardish. “I don’t want to look at orientation as a barrier.”
The play is most controversial for its suggestion that gays suffered more than Jews under the Nazis.
However, Bent has received positive reviews. After reviewing the play, Walter Kerr wrote in the New York Times: “the open sound of dismay that washed across the auditorium on the night I saw Bent was one I have never quite heard before-belief, disbelief, shock and half-understanding all mixed together.”
The phenomenal story opens the minds of people, and continues to send its message of love, tolerance, and human dignity. It was nominated for a Pulitzer and a Tony award.
“My goal for this role is for the audience to see a gay couple the same as they view any relationship between a guy and a girl,” said MaKardish.
Bent sends a most unique and powerful message to its audiences.
“Although the play is set in the past, and the issues deal with homosexuals during the Holocaust, I think the same concepts are still alive today,” said Renzo Munoz, Ambassador for the FC Theatre Department. “I hope the audience responds positively and sees that there are still things that need to be fixed.”
Inside the theatre doors, students and faculty work hard to make costumes, backdrops, and perfect stage make-up.
To enrich oneself with an unforgettable experience, don’t miss the chance to see FC’s performance of the memorable play.
Bent, directed by FC director Gary Krinke, will be showing in the Bronwyn Dodson Theatre Nov.17-22.
