To come to the stage from 6th to 22nd March
The defense and the prosecution have rested, and the jury is filing into the jury room to decide if a young man is guilty or innocent of murdering his father. What begins as an open-and-shut case of murder soon becomes a detective story that presents a succession of clues creating doubt, and a mini-drama of each of the jurors' prejudices and preconceptions about the trial, the accused, AND each other. But to one, there's more than meets the eye. What else might be hiding in the details of the case? Will an innocent man be put to death? Or will a guilty man be spared?
CHARACTER DESCRIPTIONS
Juror #1 (Foreperson)
-A small, petty person who is impressed with the authority he has and handles himself quite formally.
Juror #2
-A meek, hesitant person who finds it difficult to speak their own thoughts for fear of being shouted down by the more powerful personalities in the room.
Juror #3
-A very strong, very forceful, extremely opinionated person, intolerant of opinions other than their own; at the same time, a deeply wounded person who tries to hide their pain behind a loud voice.
Juror #4
-Seems to be a person of wealth and position, and a practiced speaker who presents themself well at all times. Their only concern is with the facts of the case and is often the voice of reason and logic when fights break out amongst the others.
Juror #5
-A younger person from the slums who identifies with the young man on trial more than they would like to admit.
Juror #6
-An honest person who comes upon their decisions slowly and carefully. A blue-collar worker who states their opinions honestly and bluntly.
Juror #7
-A loud, flashy, glad-handed salesperson who has more important things to do than sit in a jury. Quick to show temper and equally quick to form opinions.
Juror #8
-A quiet, thoughtful person. Sees all sides of every question and constantly seeks the truth. A person of strength tempered with compassion. Above all, a person who wants justice to be done and will fight to see that it is.
Juror #9
-An old person. Gentle, mild, and long since defeated by life. They recognise themself for what they are and tries to be the voice of experience and wisdom in the room.
Juror #10
-A bully and a bigot. They are an angry, bitter person who antagonizes almost at sight.
Juror #11
-An immigrant who speaks with an accent and is a humble, quiet person. They are very polite and calm, and believes very strongly in the American Ideal and in the Justice System.
Juror #12
-A slick, bright advertising person who tries to do the right thing, but is used to being overwhelmed by people with louder, brighter ideas.
Guard - ensemble - A bit part. A policeman or policewoman of any age.
Judge - ensemble
Clerk - ensemble