Play ‘12 Angry Jurors’ has staying power
Holding the fate of a young man accused of murder, Hatrix Theatre’s production of “12 Angry Jurors” aims to show the audience that giving the benefit of the doubt is as important today as it was when the play was written over 60 years ago.
Based on Reginald Rose’s original play, “12 Angry Men” was first performed on television in the 1950s. For director Karolyn Harker, the revised script of “12 Angry Jurors” shows that some of the issues that faced society then are not much different today.
The plot follows a jury charged with reaching a verdict as they wrestle among themselves with their own circumstances and prejudices in the case of a young man accused of stabbing his father to death.
“It’s really relevant today,” said Harker as she explained how the cast of jurors struggles with the young man’s upbringing in a poor home and bad background, some relating more than others.
Perspectives begin to change as the jury is forced to really examine the evidence.
“Do we judge a book by its cover?” said Harker of what the theme of “12 Angry Jurors” asks. “Do we judge by what we feel or what the evidence shows us?”
The director says she hopes the audience takes away a realization of the consistencies in the nature of society.
“That the things that are relevant in 1954 are still the things that we’re quarrelling and fighting and arguing about today. Things are pretty much the same.”
The play runs nightly at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday, along with a matinee performance Saturday at 2 p.m., at the NordBridge Seniors Centre.
Tickets are $20 at the door or $15 in advance, available at Blueprint Entertainment, 519 4 Ave. S.