Bent: The Play [Paperback]

Martin Sherman (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 1, 2000

Martin Sherman's worldwide hit play Bent took London by storm in 1979 when it was first performed by the Royal Court Theatre, with Ian McKellen as Max (a character written with the actor in mind). The play itself caused an uproar. "It educated the world," Sherman explains. "People knew about how the Third Reich treated Jews and, to some extent, gypsies and political prisoners. But very little had come out about their treatment of homosexuals." Gays were arrested and interned at work camps prior to the genocide of Jews, gypsies, and handicapped, and continued to be imprisoned even after the fall of the Third Reich and liberation of the camps. The play Bent highlights the reason why - a largely ignored German law, Paragraph 175, making homosexuality a criminal offense, which Hitler reactivated and strengthened during his rise to power.

Product Details

• Paperback: 80 pages
• Publisher: Applause Books (April 1, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1557833362
• ISBN-13: 978-1557833365
• Product Dimensions: 7.8 x 5.4 x 0.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #51,552 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

18 of 23 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars heart wrenching, emotional rollercoaster.., May 24, 1999

By 

David K. ([e-mail]) (Ocala, Florida) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Bent: The Play (Paperback)

this book runs the gamut from joyous hedonism to the extreme visciousness of humankind. I cannot remember the last time I was so emotionally drawn in and captivated by such intelligent, breathing, living characters. This book is a powerful must read for anyone concerned with what makes humanity tick, and the absolute evil that seems so inherently possible. A love story that trancends all generations. This is proof that the human will is a miraculous thing.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars One of the most moving pieces of art I have ever experienced, January 28, 2006

By 

theatre is life (key west, fl) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Bent: The Play (Paperback)

If i could give it more stars i would. Two years ago I was fortunate enough to be a part of a production of this play. Everyone in the world knows of the treatment of the Jews in concentration camps during WWII. Little is known, however, of the treatment of homosexuals that lived and died next to Jews, political prisoners and criminals in these death camps. Martin Sherman sheds light onto this subject in this very chilling and in your face tale of love between two homosexuals in Dachau. You must read this play. It is very powerful and moving. It, along with the documentary Paragraph 175, has changed my life and the way I view alternative lifestyles past and present.
Do yourself a favor and buy this play. You won't regret it.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars READ THIS PLAY!!!!!!, September 2, 2005

By 

P. C. Kite - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Bent: The Play (Paperback)

This is probably one of the most important plays I have ever read. It is just about love surviving in the harshest of places. Don't believe the other review about the characters not being developed enough. They are. And the play is amazing. I understand the importance of it in gay literature, but that is not the reason that I feel its important. I just think it needs to be read. The idea that we can tell a person not to love FOR ANY REASON is unnacceptable. Just read it. It may change your life.