Theatre Production Gives Voice to the Unheard

Voice for Voiceless Theatre is in the works of its third production, 12 Angry Jurors. As a 501c(3) non-profit organization, the theater company creates community-based dramatic presentations with a focus on issues of social justice.

For each production it partners with other non-profits that work in the field of social justice, and donates all net proceeds to those organizations.

For 12 Angry Jurors, Voice for Voiceless Theatre has coupled with the statewide organization, Partnership for Safety and Justice, which works with the people most impacted by crime and the criminal justice system, including survivors, convicts and the families of both.

12 Angry Jurors is an adaptation of Reginald Rose’s teleplay, 12 Angry Men. Written by Sherman L Sergel, the story follows a 19-year-old man who has just stood trial for the fatal stabbing of his father. It looks like an open-and-shut case — until one of the jurors begins opening the others’ eyes to the facts.

Characters are revealed as the various testimonies are re-examined, while the production delves into the natural biases and preconceptions people have when determining the fate of a minority defendant.

Every perfomance will be followed by a facilitated “talk back session” to further engage the audience and examine their own misconceptions and biases.

12 Angry Jurors will be showcased at First Congregational United Church of Christ, 1126 SW Park Avenue, Portland, Oregon. The show runs March 17 through March 19, 2017. For more information, visit their website at www.voiceforvoicelesstheatre.com.