‘The Pink Triangle’

Re “ ‘Triangle’s’ Points Are Blurred by Writing” (Sept. 24): Celebration Theatre’s “The Pink Triangle” had several--all missed in Don Shirley’s review.

“Dusty”? Set partly in 1978 (when it was written), this play now has its overdue premiere. It shows Nazi punishment of gays during World War II and that intolerance still existed in Anita Bryant’s day.

Not “intellectual”? Must the playwright give reasons for Nazi atrocities? Most people, even many gays, don’t know about the gay equation in Nazi war camps. They don’t know the pink triangle, appropriated as a symbol of gay pride, back then targeted gay prisoners for additional punishment.

The most shocking omission in the review was all the rich humor that leavened “The Pink Triangle.”

“The nudity in the play might as easily titillate as repulse.” A naked man standing at attention in a cage hardly bigger than he is for an entire scene is not arousing but horrifying beyond words. A naked and helpless man, unable to even hide his nakedness, shows how very vulnerable we can be.

“The Pink Triangle” is a play that must be seen--and will not be forgotten. It’s important as history document for the gay community of a seldom shown holocaust and a beacon, showing a tragic period where horror could sometimes be transcended by beauty, kindness and outrageous humor.

MICHAEL KOHL

Los Angeles