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Beni Malone as Greta
When Martin Sherman‘s Bent premiered in 1979, audiences were still largely unaware of what happened to pink triangles in concentration camps. “Survivors didn’t talk about it, because in Germany homosexuality was still against the law when the war ended,” director Sandy Gow of c2c theatre points out. Now, three decades later, it has carved out a position of prominence amongst its contemporaries.
“The play always feels immediate to me. Most days I don’t even think of it as a period piece,” Gow admits. “It’s full of energy, and even though it’s set against one of the worst events in history, it’s allowed to feel good sometimes. I still remember reading the first scene and laughing out loud. We need those moments; otherwise the ending would be too hard.”
Bent is about a “self-indulgent, charming” character named Max who is on the run from the SS in Berlin following the Night of the Long Knives in pre-war Germany. He is accused of homosexual relations, eventually caught and relegated to Dachau. Gow approached the script’s serious subject matter knowing, “it was important to address it openly and honesty, but not to drown in it.”
Gow specifically noted the talents of Andrew Whalen, Calvin Powell and George Robertson who have taken on the roles of the Gestapo, SS Guard, Officer and Captain. “Sherman didn’t shy away from the brutality these men inflicted, so we’ve jumped into the deep end with him. Working with violence and weapons onstage has been part of the experience. It’s important for it to not overwhelm the play, but the physical danger of the time has to live alongside the love story.”
Before the casting process, Gow already had her Max in mind and wanted Philip Goodridge for the role. Interesting considering Sherman also had the actor whom he wanted to cast in that role in mind as early as initial drafts – Sir Ian McKellen. Gow confessed, however, that “finding Horst was a challenge since the relationship between the two prisoners is thorny but extremely intimate at times.”
Bent Poster
Ultimately, Jon Montes’ memorable audition led him to the part and Gow couldn’t be happier, gushing that “his Horst brings out the best in Max,” which is the best anyone could hope for in a loving relationship, regardless of surroundings. “This is a play about Max embracing who he is in the face of hatred and cruelty and being strong enough to feel the things he so desperately tries not to.”
Bent is known for one of the greatest love scenes of all time, despite the fact that there is no touch at all and Gow says that Goodridge and Montes have been “fearless” about approaching the intense moments.
The show’s strong cast has fully committed to the show as well. Gow’s favorite aspect of the show is that the audience never leaves Max and other characters weave in and out, exposing glimpses that show how they all effect, love and change Max. “There was a lot of excitement and many that auditioned already had copies of the script or had previously studied it. When I asked Beni Malone to play Greta, he already had his copy on the shelf and Mack Furlong had been to the original production in 1979.” Rounding out the cast are James Hawksley and Keith Pike.
The set, designed by Sam Pryse-Phillips and lit by Brian Bishop, allows for the show to move through a number of transitory settings that include an apartment to a bar, park to forest and a train to the concentration camp. The sound design was created by Shannon Hawes. c2c theatre’s presentation of Bent will run from April 1-5 2009 in the Basement Theatre with a PWYC matinee on Saturday, April 4th at 2pm. Tickets are $20.00 and are on sale at the Arts and Culture Centre Box Office or order them by calling 729-3900. In c2c theatre tradition, they invite those attending on opening night to stay after the show for a small reception with the cast.
originally published December 2008
Up next in the c2c basement theatre series is a show surely to be adored by St. John’s audiences, if not for the nostalgia then just by the pure whimsy of the subject matter. Sandy Gow is trying her had at directing in this, their fifth season. She let a few cats (dragons and pigs) out of the bag with this exclusive preview of the show!
The title suggests a lot of Munsch, how does the show come together?
There are 8 stories by Robert Munsch in the play. Some of them are very well known, like Mud Puddle and The Paperbag Princess, then there are stories that not everyone has heard before, like Ribbon Rescue and Aaron’s Hair. We discovered early on that Ribbon Rescue has become a cast favorite. It is about a young girl who accidentally ruins her beautiful dress when she gives all of her ribbons away to help a wedding party get to the church on time. The story has a great ending that I won’t give away here.
How did you stumble across the script?
There’s a series of Munsch plays adapted by Kim McCaw that were performed at The Grand Theatre in Edmonton some years ago. Charlie Tomlinson, our Artistic Director, was involved with that, and it was his idea for c2c theatre to do this show for children.
What’s the premise?
The play takes place in a kindergarten classroom, and the four children we meet are characters from Robert Munsch stories. Among the 4 is Elizabeth, she’s new at school. She has just had a big adventure with a dragon, but before she’ll tell the others about it, they have to tell her a story of their own.
What made you want to get involved with the project?
Choosing to stage a children’s show is a big step for c2c theatre. We’re opening ourselves up to the community, creating an experience that we hope becomes an annual event for young people and families. We’re very excited to be presenting engaging theatre for young people. It is an opportunity to share our skill of story telling and our sense of play with an age group that thrives on it.
Who’s this show for?
The short answer is that this show is for children, but the long answer is that Munsch is a very, very, very good storyteller, and I have had a lot of excitement come from adults about this show. Our job is to make it great for the kids, but we are all very proud knowing that this will be an enjoyable show for the grown ups as well. It feels pretty good to have a group or thirty year olds laughing out loud while watching “Andrew’s Loose Tooth” and “We Share Everything”.
What kind of show can people expect?
Because the show is based on Munsch stories, a lot of people ask if it’s story telling or a play. People can expect to see a play with a lively cast of characters and a lot of action. Adam Brake, Katie Butler, Willow Kean and Rory Lambert play the 4 children, and their energy and animation onstage is spectacular.
Any surprise details you can sneak?
When we began rehearsals for the show I asked Chris Driedzic, our musician, to consider creating the soundscape with instruments you would find in a child’s toy chest. What he brought into rehearsal was the most amazing collection of noisemakers, xylophones, bells, and whistles I’ve ever seen. This choice has had an amazing impact on the show.
First appearance with c2c in 2006, now direction, how’s that progression worked?
These past two years with c2c theatre have been amazing. This is the second show I’ve directed for c2c theatre, and I can see how much the company has grown since this time last year alone. The difference is outstanding. And with each new show I can see the support system grow. I am very lucky to have been given this opportunity. It is high on my list of good things to not take for granted.
How do people check out the show?
The show runs twice a day Thursdays to Sundays at the Basement Theatre, December 11 -14 and 18 -21. Tickets are on sale at the Arts and Culture Centre Box Office. 729-3900, with a Pay What You Can Matinee Saturday December 13 at 10am.
a MESS of commentary 