Dreamwell will hold aBentuditions for Martin Sherman’s Bent, directed by Angie Toomsen, on March 7, 6-9, ICPL Mtg room C and March 8, 6-8:30, ICPL Mtg room E.

If you cannot make these auditions please email the director at angietoomsen@gmail.com for alternate times.

Scripts on reserve at ICPL starting 2/28. Auditions consist of cold readings from the script.

Rehearsals start April 22, Performances June 1-9.

ABOUT BENT

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. (from Amazon)

Dreamwell chose Bent for its “Here I Stand” season because, like The Crucible, Bent is the story of a person confronted with the decision to live in his truth, even if it means sacrificing his own life.

ROLES (All males)

Max, Age 34, attractive gay man, brimming with confidence and sex appeal and appears to be intimidated by no-one. However beneath the brash surface lurks a quiet and loving person.

Rudy Aged 22-28. The caring and loving partner to Max, who loves his home and yearns for a quiet life with Max. He is a dancer in a nightclub.

Horst Age 22-28. A gay man already imprisoned in the concentration camp. A level headed and educated person who is strong willed and has a determination to survive.

Wolf / Kapo A stereotypical ‘Aryan’ male. He is an officer in the SA. Rather gullible and easily swayed.

Uncle Freddie A very well spoken and well dressed middle aged gay man who shows every sign of wealth and extravagance.

Greta (MALE) The middle aged transvestite owner of a cabaret club in Berlin. (sings)

Captain Aged 28-35 The German ‘Aryan’ head of the concentration camp. Not a nice guy.

Lieutenant Aged 28-35 A German ‘Aryan’ Lieutenant who is particularly keen on obeying every order with precision. Also, not a good guy.

Rehearsals start April 22, Performances June 1-9.