Review ‘bent’ At Angles (Press, 29 May 1989)

The Hagley Theatre Company, directed by Sam Beveridge, staged “Bent” by Martin Sherman at Angles Night Club from May 28 to June 1 and June 3, 1989. The production tackles heavy themes of persecution, survival, and the struggle for identity within the homosexual community in Germany during the 1930s. The play is structured chronologically, portraying the stark contrast between military authority and its victims, delivering a deeply felt narrative that resonates with the audience. However, the potential impact of the play was not fully realised due to various performance shortcomings. Although the young cast demonstrated credibility in portraying their vulnerable characters, they struggled with the sustained cruelty required for the roles. The venue’s restrictive sight lines further limited the production's effectiveness, confining the action to a single plane. The choice of material seemed better suited for performers aiming for depth, but while the cast engaged sincerely, the production began with a tentative approach. Beveridge’s direction occasionally displayed sensitivity, but it also allowed for moments of self-consciousness among the actors, leading to instances of unnecessary nudity and clichéd depictions of Nazi violence. The second half saw a more settled performance from Michael Hodgson, who played Max, and Tim Scandrett, who portrayed his fellow prisoner Horst, with both delivering a more engaging presence. Yet, the overall execution of the theatre craft varied, and the production seemed to opt for a safe, adequate approach rather than fully embracing the narrative’s opportunities. An example of this was the portrayal of the electrified fence, which hinted at a reluctance to explore the play’s darker dimensions. The title “Bent” has dual meanings, yet only the socially and sexually non-straight implication was effectively highlighted, while deeper themes of coercion and distortion were not adequately addressed. Despite the language and plot's remaining force, the production was ultimately diminished by a lack of coherent concept and control, resulting in an interesting but ultimately underwhelming experience for the audience.

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