Inspired by fact, a significant moral dilemma confronts actors in a small amateur theatre company five days before opening night. While the performers must decide whether to proceed with the show, they are not the only ones with a difficult choice to make. In a juicy twist, we, the audience, too, become heavily invested in the outcome, as it is not just the actors who pass judgment.
The work of actor Brian Vriends (All Saints) and criminal defence lawyer and actor Celine Khoury, 12 Angry Actors was developed over seven years. It poses questions that cut to the quick about truth, punishment, forgiveness and rehabilitation. Without spoiling the surprise, it is akin to asking if you should be informed that a paedophile is living in close proximity to you. Further, if you knew whether you would want to move. In other words, does everyone deserve a second chance and, if not, who does and who doesn’t?
Coincidentally, the new Australian play opens as the Sydney Swans wrestle with the fallout from allegations of sexual impropriety against five key players. The emotional toll on the women at the centre of that real life drama is enormous.
Caught in the maelstrom confronting the theatre company are the new president, Cecilia (Ursula Searle) and the overly effusive director Danni (Kathy Richer). But the decision to be made is far from theirs alone. Also in the picture are the actors who have been cast in their respective roles.
I speak of criminal defence lawyer Kay (Celine Khoury) and her former lover Ted (Alexander Given), who shows renewed interest in her. Of Arabic extraction, Neville (Ali Samaei) is a consultant who is trying to focus more on his acting. He is keen on Audrey (Claire Warrillow), a doctor completing her final residency.
Justin (Jacob Saunders) is ex-military and a former policeman trying to decide what he wants to make of his life. His partner of two years is biologist Dimity (Joanna Karanikolopoulos). Mary (Esther B. Ebony) has just completed marketing at university and secured her first job, while Thomas (Faouzi Daghistani), a refugee, is a handyman. The man chosen as the lead, Matthew (Monty Burgess), a teacher, is an experienced performer.
Each brings their own experiences and biases to the quandary that confronts them and the stage is set for fireworks. Arguments are inevitable, but is the decision they make the correct one?
12 Angry Actors really comes into its own in Act II when the focus is squarely on what is driving the strong reactions each of the actors brings to the table. A number carry past trauma that informs their outcries. It is a strong ensemble piece, in which all take their opportunity to step up when the script puts them in the spotlight. Although morally fraught, the “heaviness” is offset by several comedic and flirtatious scenes. I applaud the balance of light and shade.
My biggest concern relates to the set-up, being Act I (the play is divided into two 50-minute halves, with a 20-minute intermission). It desperately needed tightening because it took too long to get to the beating heart of the work. Doing so could readily turn the piece into a crisp 70-minuter without interval. As a starting point, the production could lose most, if not all, of the auditions that begin the work.
It was only after the break that I was all in. In fact, there is a great deal of cleverness about the second half. In other words, patience is rewarded and the way it is played makes for great discussion afterwards.
Up tempo and easy listening music provides a smooth transition between scenes. Xaz is responsible for music and sound, with props readily moved in and out of a largely bare stage by the actors. Bernadette Khoury and Diana Cimiotti are in charge of the staging. Lighting (with a series of fades to black) is well orchestrated by Sina Salsali, while a diversity of costuming – from casual to elegant and glitzy – hits the mark. Ruby Chahoud has done well in that regard. A standout is some of the outfits chosen for Danni, which match the latter’s strong personality.
Director Glen Kalem and assistant director Carlia Capozza (with input from consultant director Bethany Griffiths) work hard throughout. Still, the greatest punch remains in the run home, when the troupe hits it out of the park. 12 Angry Actors is on at Meat Market Stables until 30th August, 2026. For more information and bookings, go to https://meatmarket.org.au/event/12-angry-actors/2026-08-20/
Alex First
Other reviews you might enjoy:
- Love With No Remorse (Meat Market Stables) – theatre review
- Son of Byblos (Meat Market Stables) – theatre review
- the last train to madeline (Meat Market Stables) – theatre review
Alex First is the editor of The Blurb. Alex is a Melbourne based journalist and communications specialist. He also contributes to The Blurb on film and theatre.
