12 Angry Jurors is a novel, film, and play with relevant themes of criminal justice and morality. From Oct. 23 to Nov. 1, South Eugene Theater performed the tense and thought provoking show, directed by Austin Wilson. 

When 12 very different people are called in for jury duty for a complicated case, each one is forced to face the truth of their morals. They are everyday people: housepainters, jewelry sellers, and architects, brought into court to determine the innocence of a teenager beat down by the system.

The play took place in South’s little theater. A table was placed center, with the audience sitting in a circle around the stage. With a minimalist set and costumes, the focus was on the actors. 

The assumption from almost every juror is that the child is guilty. However, one man isn’t so sure. This sparks an emotionally charged debate throughout the play on what the life altering words “innocent” and “guilty” really mean, a debate presented with dignity and realism on the stage.

“I think the main reason it was so good was because of the actors,” South junior and audience member Rosie Redmon – who saw the closing show, along with an impressed group from Sheldon High School – said. “You could really feel the emotion.” 

Through a staring audience and a brand new script, every actor gave an earnest, memorable performance. 

Sophomore Cal Youssef and senior Ala Siudeja play moral and emotional opposites, as Juror #8 and Juror #3 respectively. Both actors were very strong: Youssef confronted the audience as much as he confronted the characters, and Siudeja performed as if she herself had an estranged child. 

They were not alone in their talents. Other characters, ones who provided differing perspectives on the complexities of child abuse, poverty, and racism, were given effort and thought. One of these characters, Juror #2, was conflicted and nervous about their decision in the case. Freshman June Petersen-Cailteux, new to South and its theater program, channelled this cautious persona well. 

“The auditions were scary at first, […] but I was pretty confident about it by the end,” she said. 

She had heard often that freshmen don’t get cast and felt very proud when she saw the cast list. Though upperclassmen can be prioritized in high school theater, Petersen-Cailteux states that that shouldn’t stop anyone. 

“If you want it, just try,” she said.

Article by Story Frazier-Maskiell