Bent unfolds in the heart of Nazi Germany, where we meet Max, a charming and carefree gay man living in 1930s Berlin. Max’s life is a whirlwind of parties and indulgence, often shared with his lover Rudy, a gentle and caring dancer. Their world is turned upside down after a reckless night leads to the arrest of both men, marking the beginning of a brutal descent into the horrors of the Holocaust. Max, initially more concerned with his own survival than anything else, is forced to grapple with the terrifying reality of his situation as he and Rudy are transported to the Dachau concentration camp.
As the train rattles toward Dachau, the tension escalates, culminating in a moment of profound betrayal when Max, in a desperate bid to save his own life, denies his relationship with Rudy. This act of denial is a pivotal moment for Max, symbolizing the crushing weight of fear and the brutal lengths to which he must go to survive. The impact of this decision becomes painfully clear when Rudy is brutally beaten and eventually killed in front of Max, a haunting reminder of the cost of survival in such a dehumanizing environment.
In Dachau, Max is assigned to the grueling task of moving rocks—a pointless, soul-crushing exercise designed to break the spirit of the prisoners. It is here that Max meets Horst, another prisoner marked with the pink triangle, the symbol of homosexuality in the camp. Unlike Max, Horst is unflinchingly proud of who he is, and through their interactions, he slowly helps Max confront the truth about himself. Their relationship evolves in the most unlikely of places, growing from a shared need for survival into something deeper, more intimate, and ultimately redemptive.
As Max and Horst endure the brutal realities of camp life together, their bond strengthens, becoming a lifeline in a world where hope is a rare commodity. Horst’s quiet courage and unyielding sense of self begin to influence Max, who, despite his initial resistance, finds himself drawn to Horst’s strength and integrity. Their relationship, though fraught with danger, offers a glimpse of humanity and love amidst the relentless dehumanization of the camp.
The narrative reaches its emotional climax as Max, finally accepting his love for Horst, makes the ultimate sacrifice. In a final act of defiance against the Nazi regime that seeks to strip him of his identity, Max chooses to wear the pink triangle, embracing his true self even in the face of death. This act of courage, though it seals his fate, represents a profound victory of the human spirit over the forces of hate and oppression.
Bent is not just a story of survival; it is a powerful exploration of love, identity, and the search for meaning in the darkest of times. Through Max, Rudy, and Horst, the play vividly portrays the devastating impact of the Holocaust on the LGBTQ+ community while also celebrating the resilience and dignity of those who refused to be erased. It is a testament to the enduring power of love and the unbreakable spirit of those who fight for their right to exist.
MEET THE CAST
EVENT LOCATED AT
Trager Family Jewish Community Center
3600 Dutchmans Ln, Louisville, KY 40205
Can we call you DaddY?
Drag Daddy Productions is an LGBTQIA+ owned and operated, nonprofit 501(c)(3) performing arts company founded in Louisville, Kentucky, by Executive Director and Producer, Tony Lewis. It is our mission to provide performance and rehearsal space; as well as, opportunities to trans, non-binary, drag, queer and ally individuals alike. With a focus on equitable pay for performers, we strive to provide safe and healthy spaces for all performers, crew members, volunteers and audience members. Our programming features original works written and/or created by queer artists, unconventional casting of musical theater and other forms of alternative story-telling.