Event Article

This month, Fullerton College's Theatre Arts Department will present one of Broadway's most controversial play, "Bent."

Written by Martin Sherman, the play traces the life of a gay man during the Holocaust, shedding light to the horrific experiences of homosexuals during that period.

Before the play was introduced in 1978, there was hardly any mention of the effect that the Holocaust had on the homosexual community. So when Bent came to the stage, it made a huge impact on audiences all around the world.

Rather than being set during World War II, like traditional Holocaust literature, the play begins in 1934, at a time when Hitler began persecution of gays shortly following the purge of his Storm Troopers (SA). The leader of the SA was gay and his fall gave Hitler an excuse to go after homosexuals.

The play ends at around the year 1936, a time when most of the world didn't even know concentration camps existed.

Garrett Gamarra, a theatre major at FC, plays one of the Nazi officers. When asked about how he dealt with the difficult scenes, Gamarra responded, "You just kind of don't think about it, how horrible it is."

Max Berger, the main character in Bent, follows his ghastly experiences as a homosexual during those years. The character Max is played by FC student Alex Makardish.

"It [the role] wasn't difficult. I have many friends that are homosexual that have been through many hurtful experiences," said Makardish. "I don't want to look at orientation as a barrier."

Bent has received many positive reviews, including one from Walter Kerr of the New York Times: "The open sound of dismay that washed across the auditorium on the night I saw Bent was one I have never quite heard before-belief, disbelief, shock and half-understanding all mixed together," said Kerr.

The story opens the minds of people, and continues to send its message of love, tolerance, and human dignity and has been nominated for a Pulitzer prize as well as a Tony award.

"My goal for this role is for the audience to see a gay couple the same as they view any relationship between a guy and a girl," Makardish said.

"Although the play is set in the past and the issues deal with homosexuals during the Holocaust, I think the same concepts are still alive today," said Renzo Munoz, ambassador for the FC theatre department. "I hope the audience responds positively and sees that there are still things that need to be fixed."

To be enriched with an unforgettable experiences catch Bent Nov. 17-22 in the Bronwyn Dodson Theatre. Tickets are available to students, seniors, and children for $12.50, adult adimission is $15.