Has the world really changed since Nazi Germany and World War Two? How does society treat people from different backgrounds, if they are LGBT, disabled, not white or a Jew?
The cultural parallels relayed in Bent could not be more relevant to the modern day. LGBT people facing persecution in Russia, Traveling People evicted by the law, Religious and National conflict based on who you are or where you are from. As a Human Race, will be ever learn the lessons of the past?
At first glance, it is hard to see how this show could possibly be about the Nazis.
Starting off in a small cosmopolitan Berlin flat, one camp queen - a dancer nonetheless - and a more hetero centric and stoic gay man. They are living together, drinking coffee following another outrageous night out. The stereotypical chat about who did who and in what position, does not allude to the more sinister aspects to come.
The first indication that this show has a dark side comes when the couple discuss their landlord - "that dirty Jew" - indicating that the social segregation of German society has in fact begun. You could have missed the reference, but the Gestapo storming the flat and slitting the throat of last night's sexual conquest gave the reality check that this was no joke!
The couple's struggle begins at this point, returning to what they believe to be their safe place - only to discover that their "friend" had taken money in an act of vitriolic betrayal. Who can you trust is no one will take you in?
They are vagrant, lacking money, food and a place to stay. Deprived of their identities by the Nazi State, no where to go.
Capture
Dragged through the woods like dead animals in the night.
This marked the transition; whatever was left of humanity died as they are transported to the Camp. Death follows; the twisted Nazi psyche is at its best. The protagonist, humiliated; forced to punch and kill his lover.
Survivial
Left alone, he deals in with the devil and adopts the Yellow Star of the Jew. This, through is eyes is better than being the Pink Triangle of Queer. He is no longer a "Fluff" but has become a montage of was formerly his dirty Jew.
Camp
Here an unexpected new relationship develops. Can the dirty Jew develop a friendship and then something else with a Pink Triangle piece of Fluff? This new relationship is built on rocks, routine and regrets.
Silence
Nazi Nihilist entertainment kills in the final scenes of the show. However, not before the unexpected reclamation of identity, a monologue of memories and a conscious decision not to let the Nazi's control our protagonist's life.
The drama is powerful and emotive.
The show is deceptive and dark.
It deserves more than five stars.
Bent is on at C Venues, C too. The Show is on at 22.10 and ends late. To book tickets or to read more, visit the Edinburgh Fringe Online.
To find out more about the show directly, visit Table9 Productions http://www.table9productions.com/index.php/edinburgh-fringe-festival/bent
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