LOVE IN THE FACE OF PERSECUTION

This touching and profound wartime love story focuses on the plight of two gay men in Nazi Germany. With the lead role originated by Ian McKellan in 1979, at the time there was very little knowledge on the subject of the persecution of homosexuals during the Holocaust; this play has been rightfully credited in shining a light into the abyss. Penned by Martin Sherman, this production will be helmed by Moises Kaufman, illustrating how love can transcend persecution, no matter the cost.

WHAT IS IT ABOUT?

We follow the story of Max, a promiscuous gay man in 1930s Berlin, who is disowned by his family because of his sexual orientation. One night, whilst at odds with his live-in boyfriend Rudy, he brings home a handsome SA officer; unfortunately it is the Night of the Long Knives when Hitler orders the assassination of senior SA staff in order to cement his power. The SA man is murdered in front of Max and Rudy, and the two are forced to go on the run.

Max's uncle Freddie, who is also gay but hides this from his family organizes travel papers new papers for Max, but his stubborn nephew refuses to leave Rudy behind. As a result, Max and Rudy are found and arrested by the Gestapo and put on a train headed for Dachau death camp. What follows is a tragic series of events as Max is given a stark and horrific choice; admit his relationship with Rudy, or commit the impossible to prove his heterosexuality.

Whilst in the camp, Max must come to terms with his actions, but slowly comes to accept his true nature, with the help of a fellow prisoner, Horst. The two become close after Max is again forced to commit another horrendous act at gunpoint. But when Horst is targeted and killed by the sadistic guards, how will Max find the grace to admit the truth to himself, and carry on?