TWELVE ANGRY ACTORS, not to be confused with the classic movie Twelve Angry Men, is built around a dilemma that a cast of an independent theatre company face.
The company is well in to their rehearsal period for their upcoming show. We (the audience) watch on they do some scene work. It is five days from opening night when news breaks, (the producer had known but had kept the information from the cast) that one of the cast members has a criminal record.
It is not just any old criminal record. He was found guilty of murdering their partner of the time, and served a long custodial sentence. The news hits the cast like a stun-gun. They demand to know who it is. The ex-murderer is identified as the quiet, mild mannered Matthew who comes forward, and briefly tells them of his very difficult journey, and how now being back in the community, he thought that he would give acting a try.
With opening night not far away, the company has little time to process the information. The producer and the director want to go ahead as is, but the cast are split, almost down the middle. Will the show go on, and how will it proceed?!
Inevitably, as the play unfolds, we audience members ask ourselves, what would we do if we were placed in this situation. So many questions are raised. How judgmental are we? Is it within us to forgive acts of ‘evil’? Do we believe that people can fundamentally change? Do we believe that jails can rehabilitate offenders? Are we prepared to give them our support? It’s easy enough for ex offenders to walk around in the community because many of them do so anonymously, however if they were ‘pointed out, life would no doubt be much more difficult for them.
This was a play that left us with plenty to think about. The Asamina Theatre Company has put together a strong, impactful production. The cast gave their all. Particular mention goes to Celine Khoury, (also credited as the co-writer), who played the main character, Kay. Kay was a criminal defence lawyer by day, and she found herself surprisingly conflicted as to what her view was. Tom Massey gave a poignant performance as the pensive Matthew trying to make the most of his second chance at life. Ade Akinsanya impressed as the impassioned, proud Thomas. The character of Danny as a very camp theatre director felt very stereotypical though well played by Eli Saa.
With the Chippen Theatre’s warmth and intimacy, it felt like a good choice of venue for a play of real intensity. Director Glen Kalem with Assistant Director Caitlin created a clearly focused stage world for the actors to work in. The design team comprised props and set designers Bernadette Khoury and Diana Cimiotti, lighting designer Sina Salsali and costume designer Ruby Chanoud.
Asamina Theatre Company’s production of TWELVE ANGRY PEOPLE, co-written by Brian Vriends and Celine khoury, and directed by Glen Kalem, only played a brief season at the Chippen Street Theatre between Thursday 5th November and Sunday 8th November 2026. The show has already been booked in for a season at next year’s Adelaide Arts Festival.
