INDIANAPOLIS — The Indiana Repertory Theatre opens its 2019-2020 season with the classic American drama from the 1950s, Twelve Angry Men, on the OneAmerica Mainstage September 4 – 29. Written by Reginald Rose, who was inspired by his own jury experience, this suspenseful story takes a provocative look at power, prejudice and clashing perspectives.
Twelve Angry Men moves the audience out of a typical courtroom scene and into the closed jury room without judges, lawyers or the public. In this case, a dozen strangers with different viewpoints gather together to debate the guilt or innocence of a young teenage boy accused of murder. Controversy is inevitable as the jurors navigate racial biases, conflicting priorities and the psychological weight of a person’s life hanging in the balance.
“I’m interested in the ways that twelve citizens who were previously unknown to one another are expected to work through their biases, bigotry, and heated disagreements and come to a unanimous decision based on the facts available to them,” Director and IRT’s Playwright-in-Residence James Still said. “It’s 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.”
Today, more than 50 years after its early versions, Twelve Angry Men continues to deliver a commanding and compelling theatrical experience for both adults and students as it examines justice and society in a way that is both simple and complex.
“With its strong dramatic tension and heated debates on the efficacy of the American justice system, Twelve Angry Men will pack a content and style punch,” IRT’s Executive Artistic Director Janet Allen said. “We’re excited to open our season with this quintessentially American high-stakes debate play that feels ripped out of today’s headlines.”
Twelve Angry Men runs Sept. 4-29 at Indiana Repertory Theatre, 140 W Washington St. Tickets start at $25. Tickets and performance schedule available at IRTlive.com.
