“He got a fair trial didn’t he?……….but this is open and shut! Let’s get it done.”

“Twelve Angry Men” directed by Chris Baldock

Twelve Angry Men is a gripping study of a jury in lock up in stifling summer heat to consider their verdict on a young coloured man accused of murder. The white, mostly middle-class, jurors favour a vote of guilty in this ‘open-and-shut’ case – all but one, who thinks a reasonable doubt exists. So begins a penetrating examination of how men struggle to deliver justice in a world where prejudice, racism and privilege hold such strong sway, often below the surface.

First written in 1954, this powerful drama continues to enthral audiences 70 years later. Its themes are just as pertinent in our world today.

(Text by Chris Mclean)

Heidelberg Theatre Company, Rosanna, Melbourne VIC Australia.

(Image by Dave Belton)

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