For an entire performance, 12 actors must perform on a round stage surrounded by audience members. There will be no costume changes, no changing characters and no breaks.
“12 Angry Jurors” is about a jury deliberating in the trial of a young man accused of murdering his father. The play begins after the trial as they are in the jury room, where they have to decide if they will convict the man or say that he is innocent.
Oak Park River Forest High School’s production opened this past weekend, Nov. 15 and 16, and will continue next weekend on Nov. 22 and 23.
“12 Angry Jurors” is much more diverse than the original version, “12 Angry Men,” which featured an all-male cast. “12 Angry Men” was written in 1954 by Reginald Rose for a CBS series devoted to “teleplays” that highlighted social issues, according to an online history published by Ford’s Theater in Washington, D.C. Rose later adapted it for the stage and film. The well-known 1957 movie “12 Angry Men” was directed by Sidney Lumet and starred Henry Fonda and Lee J. Cobb.
The play has been adapted and updated many times since. A version titled “12 Angry Women” has a cast made up of all women. The actors in “12 Angry Jurors” may be any gender.
James Bell, an English teacher at OPRF, directed the play, his 10th OPRF production. During the casting process, Bell sought a diverse cast. “I always say to my production staff that I want the cast to be a reflection of the richness of the school and so finding diversity in that aspect is important,” he said.
The play demands a lot of the actors, who deliberate onstage with no breaks for the entire performance. “There’s an intensity here that starts to build up.” Bell said. “This is a really interesting challenge as these young actors build their stamina to maintain a character for more than an hour.” The actors will perform in the round, allowing for audience members to see each actor and stage prop from all angles.
The preparation for the play is as important as the performance. After school, actors met in Bell’s room for rehearsals. A typical rehearsal started with conversations, then transitioned into warm ups, then into the play itself.
Students were involved with many aspects of the production. “During rehearsals, I usually assist Mr. Bell with notes, delegate tasks around the other pro staff and answer questions actors may have,” said junior Preeti Mirmira, who is the assistant director.
Bell and the actors spent rehearsals working through the script. Actors participated in a thorough review of the play, reading the script, staging scenes and analyzing moments within the play.
“Rehearsal is such an educational experience,” said Teddy Nielsen, who plays juror number nine. “Being able to learn about the different perspectives of theater and working with so many other people who are dedicated to their role is really exciting.”
As this play contains many political and racial elements, both actors and audience members will be confronted by their own biases and world view.
“I think this is a diverse community that doesn’t always know how to talk about its diversity; this play is not to teach a lesson, but to show how that language can be a struggle,” he said. “We are giving the audience words and images that are hopefully thought provoking.” said Bell.
