bent


Bent is a seminal work by American playwright Martin Sherman that explores the harrowing persecution of gay men in Nazi Germany. It is widely credited with bringing the historical reality of the "Pink Triangle" to the forefront of public consciousness.

Below is a breakdown of the play and its 1997 film adaptation

The Story & Historical Context

The narrative begins in 1934 Berlin during the Night of the Long Knives, when Hitler consolidated power by purging the SA, including many high-ranking gay officials.

  • The Protagonist: Max is a hedonistic man who, after a night of debauchery, is forced to flee with his partner, Rudy. To survive Dachau, he chooses to wear a Yellow Star rather than a Pink Triangle.

  • The Themes: The core is Max’s relationship with another prisoner, Horst. Their connection culminates in a famous scene where they "make love" through words alone while standing perfectly still under guard supervision.

Role/Credit Person (1997 Film) Notes
Max Clive Owen A raw, breakout performance.
Horst Lothaire Bluteau Known for his intense, quiet portrayal.
Music Philip Glass Composed the haunting and surreal score.
Greta Mick Jagger Cabaret owner; performs "Streets of Berlin."
Uncle Freddie Ian McKellen A nod to the original stage production.

Comparison: Stage vs. Screen

Feature 1979 Stage Play 1997 Film Adaptation
Director Robert Chetwyn Sean Mathias
Atmosphere Stark and dialogue-focused. Surreal visuals with Philip Glass score.
Max Actor Ian McKellen / Richard Gere Clive Owen

The Legacy of the Pink Triangle

The historical legacy of the Pink Triangle is a profound journey from a badge of shame to a symbol of resilience. Originally used by the Nazi regime to identify and dehumanize gay men in concentration camps, the symbol was largely ignored in the decades following the war as victims faced continued legal persecution. It wasn't until the 1970s and 80s—bolstered by seminal works like Bent—at which point the LGBTQ+ community reclaimed the triangle as a defiant emblem of remembrance and activism. Today, it stands as a permanent reminder that silence equals death, honoring those who were lost while serving as a beacon of the ongoing fight for dignity and human rights.

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