Upper School Students Perform “12 Angry Jurors”

In early February, the Upper School’s Masterclass in Theater students performed “12 Angry Jurors” in the Schiff 102 theater classroom.

The play, directed by junior Vivian Brown, is about a New York City murder trial jury whose members are forced to consider their own bias. At the same time, they reexamine evidence and debate their belief, as tempers grow increasingly short. 

Every year, students in the class decide what the Upper School’s winter play should be. Upper School theater teacher Marc Raia prepared a list of potential scripts, but students couldn’t find one that spoke to them.

“’12 Angry Jurors’ honestly was a title I put on the list as a kind of back-up plan; I did not expect them to be so inspired by the script — but they were,” Raia said. “We read the play in class, and the Masterclass students unanimously and immediately chose this as the play they wanted to produce. In fact, one student chimed in that day and said,  ‘I’ll direct the whole thing.’ It was amazing watching that happen. Brown directed the entire production, and she literally gave 100% of herself to that play, as did every member of that cast and crew.”

Raia said the production experience was special for everyone involved, partly because of the script’s powerful message. 

For those who wish to see a recording of the final performance, email Raia for a link.