On the eve of the Scottish Defence League (SDL) march on the Scottish Parliament and the Unite Against Fascism Scotland (UAF Scotland) counter demonstration, Bent, by Table9 Productions could not be more relevant.
It is even more poignant that the show's last night in Edinburgh is Saturday 17 August - the day of both events.
In this exclusive interview with Chris Bassett, the Director and Producer of the show and Peter Calver, who plays "Max" the lead character I ask about the show and whether it remains relevant to the current day.
Why bring "Bent" to the Fringe 2013?
Chris reminds me that this is the biggest Fringe ever put on.
From a Production Company's point of view, it is a chance to get noticed, to gain exposure but more importantly the openness of the Fringe is something which Chris is extremely passionate about.
Chris also reminds me that "Bent" is also a well known play, its not new and has been around since 1974. There is also a film, based on the play, of the same name. From his point of view, "you can really buy into the story..."
Peter also talks about the Cast's passion and commitment to the show.
He explains that his colleague, Anthony Eglington, who plays the character of "Horst" - Max's rock moving, co-worker come lover, who wears the Pink Triangle with Pride - read the script overnight and came back and was adamant that "he had to do it".
Peter explains that everyone has such a powerful attachment to the show. You are hooked.
Is the show really that powerful?
The first thing that both Chris and Peter emphasize is the sheer emotion attached to the production.
I asked them to expand on this and Peter explains that it is not easy playing a character who comes across as arrogant, kills his partner in an act of survival, has to have sex with a dead 13 Jewish girl in order to prove that he is not Queer to his Nazi overlords, denies his own identity by wearing a Yellow Star instead of the Pink Triangle, before taking his own life in an act of self reclamation.
I asked Peter how he managed to cope with the role and what was expected of him as an actor. He explained, that although it is "heavy" he manages to get through. However, at the same time, does not leave any rehearsal or performance without feeling severely physically and psychologically drained.
This is also a point that Chris picks up on. He explains that everyone associated with the show has had the same feeling. It is difficult to explain, but sometimes words are not necessary to convey the message he reveals. This is why, when leading up to the climax, the final scenes are directed in silence, "...the sheer emotion of the moment is relayed through music and the lighting. At every performance, the audience leaves their seats and they do so in almost complete silence. The silence speaks for itself in terms of the emotion conveyed through the performance on stage."
Its 2013, is there still a need for a show about Nazis?
Both Peter and Chris answer with a resounding "Yes"
Chris highlights that when they flyer on the Royal Mile, dressed in character, they get a reaction and it is not always positive. "People react to the uniforms at first and may take a photograph, but then you get people making comments and asking questions" he says, "there is definitely still interest".
Peter talks about the current news and that the themes of the play, such as persecution based on ethnic, religious or sexual identity stay new because they are always at the forefront of the news. He says, "it is important not to ignore the past and to recognise that we as Humans are capable of these things."
Chris reminded me of the main reason that Martin Sherman wrote the Play in the first place. It was because there was no mention of that subsection of society that suffered horrendously even more than other groups - Queers.
What do you want people to take away with them?
Everyone will be touched with the feeling of loss. It does not matter if you are Gay or Straight, you will be moved by the performance. In the end there is only silence.
This is perhaps summed up best by a memorable line; as the Nazi overlords stand gleefully about the body of Horst, having shot him in the back, one of them them turns to Max and and says "I hope the medicine helped".
Bent is on at C venues C Too and has its last show on Saturday 17th August.
You can book tickets online.
To read my review, click here.
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