EDINBURGH 2013 - BWW Reviews: BENT, C Too, August 14 2013
Written in 1979, Martin Sherman's spotlight on the persecution of gay people by the Nazis still packs a punch today. Table 9's latest take on BENT confirms that this tale of love and self-acceptance still has the power to move audiences.
Max, a scheming playboy, and Rudy, a naive young dancer, are living the high life in 30s Berlin. Partying nightly they're oblivious to the disaster facing their country and threatening everything they hold dear. Forced to face reality after a one-night stand is shot by the Gestapo in the night of the long knives they go on the run.
Sherman's writing seems as relevant today as it did in 1979, a time when being gay in Britain had been decriminalised for little more than a decade. Whilst the horrific treatment of gay people in Germany may seem a relic from the distant past, it provides a useful reminder of the treatment gay people are still facing around the world.
However, BENT is a tricky choice for the fringe. With such stars as Ian McKellan, Richard E Grant and Alan Cumming having performed in acclaimed productions there are very tough acts to follow. This production finds it hard to step out of the shadow. Slow and clunky scene transitions don't help with the pacing and odd casting decisions (particular concentration inmate Horst) make some of the relationships less than believable.
But deep down the message of self-acceptance as the best defence against adversity still cuts through, thanks to some moving performances. Audience members were visibly moved after the final bow, and you'd be advised to bring tissues.
"BENT" runs at 2210 until 17 August at C Too.
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