‘Bent’ A Brutal And Inspiring Look At Homosexuals In Nazi Germany
The Spokane Civic Theatre explores provocative territory with “Bent,” by Martin Sherman, which opens Thursday at the Civic’s Firth Chew Studio Theatre.
“Bent” tells the sometimes brutal, sometimes inspiring story of Berlin homosexuals who have been rounded up and herded into a concentration camp in Nazi Germany. There, the story becomes one of tragedy, of compassion, and of courage.
“Bent” was originally produced in 1979 in New York with Richard Gere in the lead role, and David Dukes and Michael Gross in supporting roles. At the time, critic Rex Reed called it “shattering, hypnotic and gripping.”
Not everyone may use such complimentary words. Director Marilyn Langbehn is well aware that the play is controversial, and not only because it deals with homosexuality.
“It depicts some fairly brutal events,” said Langbehn. “They are in a place where human life is treated as cheap. There are killings and beatings, and both physical and mental torture.” Langbehn said she hopes that audiences would be able to see beyond the brutality to the larger themes of the play. She also recommends it for mature audiences only.
“Bent” has been on the Civic’s list of possible productions for many years, said Langbehn. This year, because of the World War II anniversaries and other reasons, the play committee felt the time was right.
It’s the kind of risk-taking play that the Studio Theatre is well-suited for.
The Studio Theater is the Civic’s small, intimate, black-box space.
The Civic’s production features Kevin Connell and Tim Brandt as the two lead characters, Max and Rudy.
Scott Dunckley, who gave the past season’s best performance as Charley Baker in “The Foreigner,” plays the part of Horst, a man who befriends Max in the concentration camp and helps him to survive. Other cast members include: Jamie Flanery, Steve Billeter, Michael Mills, Kevin Gardner, Pat Owens, Roelf Von Erbst and Raman Larkin.
The show opens Thursday and continues July 21-22, 26-29 and Aug. 3-5. All shows are at 8 p.m.
Tickets are $8, available by calling 325-2507. The Spokane Civic Theatre is at 1020 N. Howard; the Studio Theatre is in the theater’s lower level.
“The King and I”
Washington State University’s Summer Palace opens Rodgers and Hammerstein’s “The King and I” on Thursday in Daggy Hall’s R.R. Jones Theatre in Pullman.
This musical includes the classic tunes “Hello Young Lovers,” “Shall We Dance,” “Something Wonderful,” and “I Have Dreamed.”
The director is WSU faculty member George Caldwell. The king will be played by WSU theater graduate Chris Maxfield. Anna is played by Lynn Ungar of Moscow.
The show runs July 20, 21, 22, 26, 27, 28 and 29. All shows are at 8 p.m. General admission tickets are $8, with discounts for youth and students.
Call (509) 335-7236 for tickets and information.
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