‘Bent’ At The Studio (Press, 31 October 1984)

"Bent," a play by Martin Sherman directed by Elric Hooper, is being staged at the Court Studio from 30 October to 17 November 1984, with performances running from 8.15 p.m. to 10.10 p.m. This powerful drama explores the devastating effects of repression faced by homosexuals during Hitler's rise to power in Germany. The narrative begins with the character Max, a Berlin homosexual, who struggles with the consequences of a night of drunken debauchery coinciding with the infamous Night of the Long Knives. His memory of events is clouded by a hangover, and his relationship with his lover Rudy becomes tense due to Max's reckless behaviour and the presence of an attractive young man he brought home. The play, while addressing serious themes of torture and insanity experienced in concentration camps like Dachau, employs moments of comedy and sharp self-reflection that lighten its otherwise grim subject matter. The all-male cast faced the challenge of authentically portraying homosexual relationships, requiring them to evoke a sense of real passion and sensitivity. Alistair Browning's depiction of Max stands out for its intensity and portrayal of isolation, while Tony Mack’s performance as Horst, Max's prisoner lover, cleverly intertwines irony and humour, eliciting laughter even in the bleakest contexts. The contrast between Horst's warmth and Max's emotional reserve adds depth to their relationship. Supporting roles are portrayed by Mark Trezona as the fragile Rudy and Jeff Boyd as Wolf, with Craig Hood contributing a vibrant cabaret essence as a transvestite character and also taking on roles of various Nazi officers. The sparse but effective set design by Tony Geddes, enriched by Jim Monteath's evocative lighting, creates a stark atmosphere, with symbolic elements such as a swastika projected onto the walls. As the final production initiated by the Court Studio for some time, "Bent" is deemed a superb choice, offering a memorable and challenging experience that tests audience perspectives. Its mix of powerful themes, artistic performance, and sociopolitical commentary solidifies its status as a significant piece of theatre.

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