28th Season; 59th Production
What is reasonable doubt?
What happens when justice is jeopardized by human prejudice? This is the central question of Twelve Angry Jurors and a timely theme for today. How often does the judicial system fail because of an unfair balance of power? How often in our own lives do we miss the truth because of our preconceived ideas about how a certain group of people behave?
Twelve Angry Men is generally acknowledged to be one of the greatest courtroom dramas of all time. Reginald Rose (the playwright) was a juror on a manslaughter trial and he was so fascinated by the dramatic possibilities inherent in his experience that he decided to turn it into a live one-hour teleplay. A few years later, Henry Fonda produced and Sidney Lumet directed the acclaimed film in 1957. Since then there have been countless stage and screen adaptations all over the world. The McCarthy HUAC hearings were televised from April to June 1954. Twelve Angry Men was first broadcast on September 12, !954. There was clearly a connection between the two.
I’m interested in the ways that twelve citizens who were previously unknown to one another are expected to work through their biases and heated disagreements and come to a unanimous decision based on the facts available to them. Of course, it turns out that “facts” may be subjective, which is one of the many layers of misunderstandings explored in the play. But the idea that twelve citizens (angry or not, and yes we did discuss, in detail why they are "angry") can put aside differences to fulfill their civic duty—that is democracy at its most idealistic and personal. It’s also a profound reminder about ways that the American experiment is flawed, rigorous, and steeped in responsibility.
We are grateful to be able to present our interpretation of 12 Angry Jurors as our winter show, which takes some time to explore more serious themes of justice , bias and equality. This show encourages us to examine how we view the world which seems incredibly important NOW when we live in undoubtedly scary times with new shifts coming daily. The jury system is a great feature of our American democracy. I hope all of the audience members who see the their sense of pride and duty that comes along with the obligation of serving on a juror. How many times have you tried to find a way or an excuse to get out of jury duty simply because you may consider it a pain or inconvenience? The defendant on trial in this play is unseen and poor but as Juror #8 says; “Suppose you were the one on trial” You would want a jury to discuss your case seriously.
I have been amazed with the approach these students have taken to the material. We have had deep discussions as a group about each character's philosophy and background, and we hope it pays off in a dramatic piece of theater. It is my hope to bring the audience into this show by having them seated on stage inside the deliberation room. While there is a sense of obligation for these jurors, there is also a sense of urgency. At times the members of the jury - will talk to you - may even persuade you into their way of thinking. Enjoy the show!
Be Safe. Be Well. Be Phenomenal,
Stephen Ward
