A Theater Review About the 12 Angry Jury
The jurors deliberate over the details of the case. From left to correct: Kim Bessler, David Ludy, Carol Charnock, Michael Beryle, and David Timmerman. Photo by Jason Klonkowski.
One of the most beautiful facets of live theatre is its ability to spotlight currently relevant topics that plague our earth and shine an illuminating light of truth on them. While I believe that theatre should, at times, provide an escape, there is something truly refreshing virtually a piece that tin elicit far more complex emotions from its viewer. This past Monday night, I was honored to preview a live product of "12 Angry Jurors" at the Port Tobacco Players (PTP) that accomplished but this.
"Although written more than half a century ago, the subject matter feels painstakingly relevant for today's audition."
The intriguing thing about "12 Angry Jurors" (more than unremarkably known as "12 Aroused Men" when non performed every bit gender-neutral) is that it was originally written in 1954 as a teleplay. It later became a movie in 1957 and and then a stage play in 1964. Although written more half a century ago, the discipline thing feels painstakingly relevant for today's audience. "12 Aroused Jurors" tells the story of a criminal trial in which a young man has been accused of murder. The jury must deliberate on whether or non he will exist constitute guilty and possibly sentenced to decease. When the play begins, merely i of the twelve jurors believe that he is not guilty. In order to avoid a hung jury, the rest of the show revolves around the ane juror attempting to persuade the others by reexamining all the evidence in the case. Along the way, the jurors are forced to too examine how their own internal biases may impact how they view the facts.
Michael J. Gahan Iii serves equally the director for this production and it is quite evident how much he understood the importance of choosing a show of this magnitude in light of contempo historical events that have unjustly occurred in our nation. I recall watching a picture adaptation of this show when I was in high school, and automatically causeless that the accused on trial was a person of color. The man's exact appearance is never mentioned, but the vitriol that spews from one of the jurors (intensely played past Tom Charnock in this product) paints an entirely different picture. Gahan did an splendid job of harnessing the raw emotions of his actors in lodge to convey a wide range of authentic humanity that everyone can relate to on some level or another. His methodically strategic blocking pulled me into the story every step of the style. There was never a moment in which I felt overwhelmed by the number of actors on phase (which is a miracle considering at that place were always at least 12 actors perfroming during the bulk of the testify).
This show is a spectacular example of the ideal, comedy ensemble show. Instead of telling a lengthy story that spans days, months, or years, plays similar this focus on the characters and one atypical topic. This format hinges on the talent of the actors. While each of the actors worked together as a cohesive unit, in that location were two actors who stood out—David Timmerman every bit Juror 3 and Kim Bessler every bit Juror 8. Timmerman and Bessler practice an excellent chore of playing off of each other. The tension that the ii of them created was palpable, expertly displayed in a heated exchange they shared that furthered the discussion amidst the jurors. I was on the border of my seat and had quite a visceral reaction to information technology all. Timmerman plays an ego-driven man who feels that he has been wronged by everyone effectually him and only he alone tin set it right. He does a fantastic job of borer into a stereotype each of us has probably encountered in our lives at ane fourth dimension or another. Meanwhile, Bessler embodies the voice of the audience. She insists on rationality, the opposite of what Timmerman's character is. From first to end, each of their performances was captivating.
The prepare every bit designed by Chris Magee was a simple room with a large tabular array at the center. Pocket-sized touches such as a fan hanging overhead, a h2o cooler, and a functioning window helped to brand the set feel realistic—as if it could accept been plucked from whatsoever real courthouse. After the performance, I was able to get a view of it from the balcony seats and if you lot have the opportunity to purchase balustrade seats instead of orchestra, you should. The birds' eye view of the set was incredible and I imagine would only add to the engaging style of the story. Original music compositions by James Watson likewise enhanced the production. Strategically inserting the music into parts of the play farther emphasized the emotional bear upon of unlike moments. Before speaking with the director subsequently, I was certain that the music had come from a previously recorded library of instrumental music. It was an absolute delight to find out that Watson had created it solely for this production.
This play is geared towards the theatre goer who enjoys thinking securely virtually a tough discipline affair equally well as to those who are at least open to it. Information technology is a thought-provoking and enthralling production with a brilliantly written script, and filled with lots of emotion and edge-of-your-seat moments. The current urgency at the middle of this product cannot be missed.
Running Time: Approximately one hour and thirty minutes with no intermission. (The house lights are kept on a low level to allow for audience members take a break if needed).
Advisory: Murder and bigotry. Recommended for 10+ with parental guidance.
"12 Angry Jurors" will be playing September 24-October 10, 2021 at the Port Tobacco Players, 508 Charles St, La Plata, MD 20646. For more information and to purchase tickets, please visit their website here.
Source: https://mdtheatreguide.com/2021/09/theatre-review-12-angry-jurors-at-port-tobacco-players/
0 Response to "A Theater Review About the 12 Angry Jury"
Post a Comment