Dignity deserved by everyone, always (JCC CenterStage/Drag Daddy)

Bent

Written by Martin Sherman

Directed by Tony Lewis

Co-Produced by CenterStage and Drag Daddy Productions

Review by Regina Harris

Entire contents are copyright @2024 by Regina Harris. All rights

reserved.

At a time when LGBTQ+ rights and bodily autonomy are under attack;

antisemitism is on the rise; books reflecting the diversity of our society

are being banned; and the upcoming presidential election is vitriolic to

say the least; equilibrium - much less fairness - seem more elusive than

ever. Finding the places where we, as a society are more alike than

different feels almost unattainable. Yet, CenterStage and Drag Daddy

Productions have achieved that ideal in their current production of

Bent at the Trager Family JCC.

Director Tony Lewis of Drag Daddy Productions and CenterStage

producer Erin Silliman chose this play after considering many others

that might have been more lighthearted. Instead, they combined their

respective companies’ missions to honor struggles of the past while

highlighting the battles of today. The story of the persecution of queer

people in 1930’s Berlin, some ultimately incarcerated at Dachau, is

heart breaking. They are portrayed with profound dignity and stunning

sensitivity by Brian Hinds (Max) and Shayne Brakefield (Horst). As two

of Louisville’s finest actors, their performances are flawless. Vulnerable

and tenuous Rudy was perfection in the capable hands of Alex Roby.

This small cast is only outweighed by its talent. Alex Hunt as Wolf was

as bold as he was brave. Robbie Smith was endearing as Greta, a drag

performer with an acidic tongue. Greta’s gritty vocal performance (as

well as the 1930’s cabaret preshow score) really set the dance hall vibe. Cameron Fontes, David Galloway and Gerry Robertson were a facile

chorus, alternately taking on the roles of the bad guys as well as other

survivors. Special shout out to Cameron Fontes who stood in for Sean

Childress as Uncle Freddy Wednesday night, having learned the role in

just a few days.

Lighting and sound design were spot on; scenic design and artistry

made beautiful use of the small space. Sometimes (appropriately)

jolting, it was highly effective in every way.

This production drives home the dignity deserved by everyone,

everywhere, always. It reminds us to honor the struggles of those who

came before, but to also to work hard to remove those same struggles

in the present. I cannot recommend this production highly enough.

Featuring Brian Hinds, Shayne Brakefield, Alex Roby, Robbie Smith, Alex

Hunt, Cameron Fontes, David Galloway, and Gerry Robertson.

Bent

September 11, 12, 19, 21 @ 7:30 pm

September 15 @ 2:00 pm

September 22 @ 5:00 pm

Trager Family JCC

Shapira Foundation Auditorium

3600 Dutchman’s Lane

Louisville, KY 40205

https://www.jcclouisville.org/centerstage

Regina Harris has lived in Louisville for nearly three decades and has

worked for many of its theatre companies and venues. To express her

love for great food as well as Louisville history and architecture, she is a

guide with Louisville Food Tours.