Do people deserve a second chance? This quandary is dissected in the thought-provoking play 12 Angry Actors, co-written by Brian Vriends and Celine Khoury. The fact that this question is so difficult to answer, and may result in vacillating responses in the audience members, is a mark of its success.

Much like its title inspiration, the jury drama 12 Angry Men, it puts each of the characters – and the audience – in a position of judgement. We learn their day jobs and backstories, which may be influencing their choices, from Alexander Given playing Ted the sparky (a standout performance), Claire Warrillow as Audrey the doctor, Jacob Saunders as ex-military and ex-cop Justin, and the co-writer and producer of 12 Angry Actors, Celine Khoury, playing criminal defence lawyer Kay. Khoury’s character role, mirroring her real-life employment, informs this pivotal role with nuance and authenticity. The ensuing debate between the ensemble cast illustrates that we each bring our personal prejudices into play, whether we are conscious of them or not. Their masterful performances strike an impressive balance between emotional and intellectual impact.

Unlike the namesake jury drama, made and set in the 1950s, here we have diversity in both gender and culture, along with the added layers of complexity created by making the characters thespians. It’s a clever move, leading the audience to another question: when are they acting? As one of the characters asks, ‘Are good actors good liars?’

A subtle but worthwhile component is the added weight of negative culture stereotyping, with a couple of the characters being Arab. It highlights the damaging impact of stereotyping on individuals, while also questioning whether there is such a thing as a blueprint for behaviour, shaped by family or culture. It’s a pertinent inclusion as we live in a time when whole cultures can be judged for the actions of a few.

Bernadette Khoury and Diana Cimiotti’s set design is minimal, allowing the actors and script to shine through. A single artwork in some scenes depicting the scales of justice drives home the major theme. There is real pace in this production, with many scenes on the short side and the ensuing changes providing time for the audience to digest the content. However, it does linger when it needs to – particularly powerful are the soliloquies delivered directly to the audience under spotlight, with Sina Salsali’s lighting design creating a vivid mood and sense of gravity. The momentum is such that the two hours fly by. Glen Kalem’s directorial decisions (supported by assistant director Carlia Capozza) show a delicate expertise in balance, alleviating the subject matter with moments of levity and affection.

The overarching strength of this play is the way it explores the grey areas of life. For example, it considers how both fear and love can coexist in a relationship. If you enjoy being provoked in both mind and heart, this is the play for you. Bring a friend and argue over the polarising aspects afterwards. As the poet Alexander Pope famously wrote, ‘To err is human; to forgive, divine.’ We see the actors wrestle with this in fascinating and ever-changing ways. When confronted with the same dilemma in your own life, your answer may not be the one you expected to give.

4.5 stars

Presented by Asamina Theatre, 12 Angry Actors is playing at the Meat Market Stables, 2 Wreckyn St, North Melbourne, until 30 August 2026.

Run Time: 2 hours and 20 min interval

For tickets visit: Eventbrite