Bent Staged Amid Ordinance Controversy
The referendum on Ypsilanti's controversial anti-discrimination ordinance provides an unexpected backdrop for the P.T.D. Productions staging of Martin Sherman's Bent at the Riverside Arts Center. A vote to reinstate the ordinance is scheduled for May 5, 1998. The show opens April 30 and closes May 9.
A chilling tribute to gay and lesbian pride, Bent is set in the early years of Germany's Third Reich, where the men wearing the "pink triangles" are subject to the most sadistic treatment in the Nazi concentration camps. To survive, Max, the play's protagonist, will do anything, even the unthinkable, in order to evade the homosexual badge and live another day. But a final act of defiance forces him to proclaim himself at last, and in doing so Max reconfirms the triumph of believing in love.
Although Ypsilanti's ordinance does not face quite the same odds, it seems to have touched a nerve in the community. Passed unanimously by city council, the ordinance imposes civil penalties to deter discrimination against people on the basis of characteristics such as race, religion, gender and sexual orientation. The law enjoys strong support, but has aroused a vocal and active opposition. Most of the rhetoric appearing in the local media has focused on sexual orientation. "Citizens Opposed to Special Treatment," (COST) has formed to fight the ordinance. "Citizens For Community," (CFC), supports the ordinance.
Ypsilanti is obviously not Nazi Germany. However, many Nazis accepted the premise that homosexuality is an "offense against God" and that it is a "learned behavior" that should somehow be stamped out. These strongly held beliefs contributed to the brutal oppression that followed. Ironically, Hitler's rise to power was aided by Ernst Rohm, the head of the brown-shirted S.A. stormtroopers, and a gay man. Fearing a homosexual conspiracy, Hitler purged the S.A. on the "Night of the Long Knives" in 1934, immediately preceding the action of the play, Bent. The power to "secure the Reich" was handed to the S.S.
Producer Dennis Platte notes that the performance schedule was pure coincidence. "We booked this long before the ordinance was passed." However, the political context may enhance the meaning of this powerful drama. The Director for Bent is Marie Jones. Assistant Director is Janet Rich, and Jan Starr is Production Assistant. The ensemble cast includes Tod Barker, Chris Starkey, Brian Burchette, lan Stines, Dennis Platte, Eric Maurer, Richard Heberlein, Dan McCormick, Richard Katon, Ken MacGregor, and Dan Mattes.
Opening on Broadway in December of 1979, Bent starred Richard Gere in the lead role. Sherman, who was born in Philadelphia and educated at Boston University, was resident playwright at Playwrights Horizons, in New York, from 1976-77. His other works for the stage include Next Year in Jerusalem, The Night Before Paris, Cracks, Messiah, and When She Danced.
Bent runs April 30-May 3 and May 7-9, with all performances beginning at 8 pm. Tickets are $12 for adults, $9 for seniors and students, and can be purchased at the door or reserved by calling (734) 483-7345.
The Riverside Arts Center is located at 76 N. Huron Street, downtown Ypsilanti.
- Peg DuFresne
Note: The play contains nudity and mature themes, which may not be suitable for children.