In honor of the production’s 30th Anniversary, Martin Sherman’s groundbreaking play Bent, is slated to open at Diversionary Theatre in University Heights on Friday, Oct. 29

“It is a story of survival in the wake of catastrophe,” director Glenn Paris said, noting Bent is very powerful and meaningful to him. “I think ultimately Bent has a very positive representation of gays.”

According to Paris, Bent is one of the first plays to examine Nazi persecution of homosexuals. “It’s a chapter of history that has not been explored and represented; at least not on stage.”

Diversionary’s Bent is a of collaboration between Diversionary and ion Theatres.

Bent made headlines when the production debuted in 1979 in London’s West End and featured Ian McKellan. In 1980, a production featured Richard Gere on Broadway. Both productions earned actors nominations for the Pulitzer prize and Tony award. In 1997, a feature film was released featuring Clive Owen and Ian McKellan.

Bent’s plot follows Max, portrayed by Diversionary’s Michael Zlotnik, who seeks love in the midst of the labor camps during World War II and the Holocaust.

“The production is not light entertainment,” Paris said, adding Bent is not just a play for the GLBT community.

“This production explores issues relevant to anybody,” Paris said. “Particularly to those who might be considered on the margin like gays and lesbians. It’s a universal love story and people connect to it.”

Bent poses many questions relating to the human experience. There are a few, however, Paris finds the most thought provoking.

“While you’re trying to survive, can you afford to save another person?” Paris asked. This question reflects a scene where Max refuses to leave his boyfriend Rudy and is forced to go to the Dachau labor camp.

“Another idea Bent asks is if gays are allowed to love? Is gay and lesbian love viewed by the world as genuine, legitimate, true, more than tolerable, natural? … It’s a beautifully written work with many layers and it’s masterfully crafted.”

Co-director Claudio Raygoza of the ion theatre company believes Bent provides metaphors to help audiences make connections to today’s society.

“I think Bent offers an important lesson for us to revisit with things happening today,” Raygoza continued. “Not just in the United States, but in Rwanda and Darfur and Central America where people are losing more than just their rights, but their lives for something they believe in.”

Chris Buess portrays Max’s boyfriend Rudy in the production. The San Diego actor starred in Bleeding Kansas with the Moxie Theatre and Blue Bonnet Court, another co-production with Diversionary and Moxie Theatres.

“My first impression was it was going to be a very tragic journey,” Buess said. During the process of discovering this play in rehearsals, Buess said he’s found strength – not only in his character, but also in himself.

“I’ve become very attached to this character in a way that I did not think would be possible. What is wonderful about this play is it’s incredibly well written, there’s a natural sense to it,” he said.

Raygoza, Buess and Paris agree one of the messages Bent delivers is the triumph of love.

“For me what comes through is the amazing ability we have as human beings to be able to connect and find love in the hardest of times,” Buess continued. “The other is about accepting who you are and not worrying about labels or situations.”

Buess added experiencing this production can sometimes give audience members epiphany.

“It’s an experience that will stick with you,” Buess concluded. “You’ll walk away talking about it and relating to one of the characters. You will have a moment where you will understand that person and see yourself in a unique light.”

This production comes on the heels of some hard times for one of the theaters involved in the production. Last year, the ion theatre decided to vacate their theater space because the owners of the property were strong proponents of Proposition 8.

“We spoke to all of our artists and made a unanimous decision to move out of our space,” Raygoza said. “We felt like it wasn’t a good fit to have our patrons come to a theater where the owners of the property weren’t supportive.”

Raygoza said it has been difficult for the company to operate due to insufficient theater space in San Diego.

Raygoza hopes this production will add to the Bent legacy.

“I think our production will add an element to present powerful, challenging, uncompromising, visceral experiences,” Raygoza said. “The production is very intimate and epic and takes audiences on a journey. If people come to see a play like this, they can expect to walk out with a sense of how important love is in society,” Raygoza finished.

Bent’s cast also includes Charlie Reuter as Horst, Eric Dowdy, Philip John, Steven Lone, Walter Ritter and Bobby Schiefer.

Bent runs at Diversionary Theatre through Nov. 22. Diversionary Theatre is located at 4545 Park Blvd. in University Heights. For more information, call 619-200-0097 or visit www.diversionary.org.