OC's Theatre Out Presents Martin Sherman's 'BENT' (4/9-5/1)

Press Release:

Theatre Out, Orange County's gay and lesbian theatre, presents BENT. This gripping drama by Martin Sherman (A Madhouse In Goa, The Boy from Oz) examines the otherwise untold story of the treatment of homosexuals in World War II Nazi Concentration Camps.

It's 1934 Berlin on the eve of the Nazi incursion. Max, a narcissistic playboy, and his tender-hearted lover, Rudy, are forced to flee as the Gestapo begins to cleanse the city of its "perverts". Eventually caught and thrown on a train to Dachau, Max must decide between keeping himself alive or saving Rudy who is being brutally beaten by the guards. Not only does he deny his lover, he lies and says he is a Jew to avoid being labeled a homosexual. In the camp, Max makes friends with Horst, a gay man, who shows him the dignity that lies in acknowledging what one is. Their hope to survive and comfort each other during one of Europe's blackest moments is not meant to be. BENT is a haunting reminder of the price of intolerance.

The New York Times raves that BENT is "powerful and provocative," while Women's Wear Daily calls it, brilliant…an explosive, overpowering experience."

"BENT is an extremely important work in both the history of the LGBT community and theatre. When it was first produced, it broke boundaries and shocked audiences with its frank portrayal of gay life in World War II Germany.  The themes of BENT are as important now as they were when it was first performed," commented Jack Millis, Theatre Out's Artistic Director.

Directed by MaryAnne Mosher. Featuring Greg Spradlin, Ben Green, David Tran,
Andrew Kelley, Joey Baital, Ian Dunn, Stan Jenson and Travis McHenry
Approximate Running Time: 2 hours with 1 intermission.

BENT logo design by Darcy Hogan for Theatre Out.
 
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Ticket Information: $18.00 adult admission. $15.00 students with valid student ID.
$10.00 All Tickets, Thursday, April 22.

Performance Dates:
April 9 – May 1, 2010
Friday, April 9, 2009 @ 8:00 pm
Saturday, April 10 @ 8:00 pm
Friday, April 16 @ 8:00 pm
Saturday, April 17 @ 8:00 pm
Sunday, April 18 @ 2:00 pm
Thursday, April 22 @ 8:00 pm
Friday, April 23 @ 8:00 pm
Saturday, April 24 @ 8:00 pm
Sunday, April 25 @ 2:00 pm
Thursday, April 29 @ 8:00 pm
Friday, April 30 @ 8:00 pm
Saturday, May 1 @ 8:00 pm

Theatre Out's home is The Empire Theatre in the Artists' Village in downtown Santa Ana, located at 202 N. Broadway, Santa Ana, CA. Tickets are available online at www.theatreout.com or by calling the Theatre Out Box Office at (714) 826-8700.

Visit www.theatreout.com for more information.

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