Young actors take on challenging play
Fast on the heels of the musical ‘Grease, School Edition’, Elizabeth Moir School presents ‘12 Angry Jurors’ at the Wendt
On March 3 and 4, the stage of the Lionel Wendt Theatre will be taken over with the gripping atmosphere of a tense courtroom, as the talented young students of the Elizabeth Moir School present ‘12 Angry Jurors’. Directed by Anushka Senanayake, this will be the second production done by the school for their academic year, following the production of ‘Grease, School Edition’ in November 2022.
The play is an adaptation of the film “12 Angry Men”, directed by Sidney Lumet. The entire story takes place within a single room where 12 jurors have been tasked with deciding the fate of a young man accused of murder. What at first, seems like an openand-shut case, soon unfolds into a thrilling mystery as Juror 8, is not convinced of the defendant’s guilt. As the line between what appears to be black and white progressively blurs, the jurors challenge each other to reconsider their positions.
“I chose this particular play as I felt it would be a great challenge for the talented young performers,” says Anushka Senanayake, current Head of Creative and Performing Arts at Elizabeth Moir School, as well as the Founding Artist Director of the Theatre Junction Company. “The script provides an opportunity for these actors to really stretch themselves.” The design elements to this production will be kept minimal, and the play would be wholly driven by the students’ acting. “Each actor brings something unique to the piece, much like the jurors themselves,” she adds.
The twelve jurors are students from Form 1 to Lower 6, all who have been working tirelessly since the middle of January to bring to life this challenging production. This play, contrasting deeply with the fun-loving production of Grease, explores the concepts of justice and fairness, the ripple effect of judgment through personal biases and prejudices. “It is no easy feat,” points out Anushka, considering that the cast are rehearsing for six to seven weeks before presenting the play to an audience. Given the inundation of high profile cases varying from murder, harassment, abuse surfacing in society today - this play is bound to resonate with each member of the audience in some way.
The cast members too have their own passionate takes on the importance and relevance of the play, and its mirroring of today’s society. “This play is about how people approach a problem with inherent bias that comes from deep seated attitudes,” explains Rumi Nagpal who plays Juror 10. “The play is relevant to any society, not only USA where it was written and staged. We must look at our own ethnic, racial, religious, economic biases and the quest for that reflection is a long and arduous one.” She also adds enthusiastically that in her experience, this is the first time a play of such depth; riveting, fast paced and thought provoking has been produced at a school level.
“My character is one who is nervous to voice his opinions and is, overall, cowardly,” Ayuka Panditharathne describes his role as Juror 2. “While I personally don’t identify with, or have a particular liking towards my character, I believe he represents the larger part of society who find it difficult to stand up for what they believe is right and just.”
Chanduli Rubasinghe, Juror 8, shares her excitement about the play. “It’s thrilling! There’s an underlying sense of tension and excitement that will keep the audience on their toes. By the end of the play, you’ll be at the edge of your seat!” she assures to which Hathim Asgerally, Juror 3 adds, speaking on behalf of the cast, “It’s a must-see play that will leave you thinking long after you’ve left the theatre.”
12 Angry Jurors goes on the boards on March 3 and 4 at the Lionel Wendt Theatre at 7.30 p.m. Tickets are priced at Rs. 4000, Rs. 3000, Rs. 2000, and are available at the Elizabeth Moir Senior School reception (during office hours).