The haunting new one-person musical inspired by untold stories of gay men in post-war Germany comes to Australia for a limited run at Adelaide Fringe, following its acclaimed Edinburgh Fringe 2025 season with Gilded Balloon and three performances at Fringe World Perth.
1957 West Germany. The battle against the Nazis ended twelve years ago – but for Karl, a gay concentration camp survivor, the war never truly ended. While most laws have been dismantled, the Nazi-era law persecuting homosexuals remains in force. Karl now finds himself on trial once again, branded a repeat offender instead of a recognised victim.
The Pink List takes its name from the lists created by the Nazis to track and target gay men – records that continued to be used by the German police in post-war years. The show sheds light on a chapter of history too often erased, and on the fight for recognition in a society still unwilling to acknowledge its victims.
Written and performed by Michael Trauffer, and with musical supervision and orchestrations by Sarah Morrison, this original musical draws inspiration from the lived experiences of gay concentration camp survivors.
“When researching and writing The Pink List, I was struck once again by how the echoes of past injustices continue to shape our world. This story, though set in 1957, remains painfully relevant,” reflects Trauffer.
“It serves as a reminder that the legacy of oppressive regimes doesn’t end when they fall – it lingers in laws, societal attitudes, and lives for generations. Confronting history is essential to building a fairer future.”
The Pink List
Ruby’s at Holden Street Theatres, 32 – 34 Holden Street, Hindmarsh (Adelaide)
Season: 20 February – 8 March 2026
Bookings: www.holdenstreettheatres.com
For more information, visit: www.fabulett.com for details.
Image: The Pink List (supplied)