Overview

Synopsis

On a hot summer day after a long trial, a jury must decide whether a 19-year-old man is guilty of murdering his father. The jury votes 11-1 that the man is guilty of the crime, but laws in the United States require a unanimous vote by all 12 jurors in order to pass judgment. Tempers flare as the eleven jurors try their best to convince the 1 dissenter to come around to their side. As the evidence is re-examined, however, new uncertainties come to light, forcing everyone to truly question if there is in fact some measure of "reasonable doubt". Twelve Angry Men is a heightened courtroom thriller that puts you on the edge of your seat while powerfully exploring what it means to live in a democracy.

Show Information

Category
Play
Age Guidance
Youth (Y)/General Audiences (G)
Number of Acts
3
First Produced
1955
Genres
Drama
Settings
Simple/No Set, Unit/Single Set
Time & Place
a jury room, the present, summer
Cast Size
large
Ideal For
College/University, Community Theatre, Professional Theatre, Regional Theatre, Includes Adult, Young Adult, Mature Adult, Elderly Characters, Large Cast

Guide Written By:

Cindi Calhoun

Cindi Calhoun

Theatre teacher, director, writer, and seamstress