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Last Updated: Feb 13, 2017 - 1:45:37 AM |
Photo: Ric Van Maur
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NASSAU, Bahamas - Murder, prejudice and doubt are just a few of the themes that drive the story of 12 Angry Men, a new live stage production that opens Thursday, June 26 at the Dundas Centre for the Performing Arts on Mackey Street.
The production is presented by Ringplay Productions, a local theatre group that now manages the Dundas theatre, and features many veterans and a few newcomers to the stage.
Set in 1950s New York City, 12 Angry Men follows the conflict, doubt and responsibility that a jury has in deciding the fate of a young man accused of killing his father. The well-known play has been adapted into multiple films and is considered one of the modern classics.
At the beginning of the play, eleven jurors vote "guilty." Only one man, Juror #8, believes that the young man might be innocent. He must convince the others that "reasonable doubt" exists.
Philip Burrows directs the play, and is excited to bring it back to the Dundas stage. "We've got a wonderfully diverse cast, with some who are new to the stage and others who are back after a long absence," Burrows said. "This classic piece of drama is an excellent way to showcase the Bahamian talent we have here at home. 12 Angry Men is also important as we see it as the re-launch of consistent live theatre back at the Dundas."
Finding 12 male performers - plus one other - can sometimes be a challenge in The Bahamas, but the director said that he actually had to turn away a dozen more that auditioned. "I feel that people are hungry to do creative work and we are proud to be able to now offer that to them on a consistent basis," Mr Burrows stated.
The cast includes Dundas veterans David Burrows, Anthony 'Skeebo' Roberts, Graham Thordarson, Marcel Sherman, Gregory Deane, Mark Humes, Calnan Weech and Sean Nottage. A number of film and TV personalities are also appearing, including Kareem Mortimer, Matthew Wildgoose and Kevin Love, as well as newcomers Bruno Barr and Gregory Stubbs.
Ringplay Productions, of which Philip Burrows is artistic director, is the same group of people that were on the management committee that ran the Repertory Season at the Dundas for 17 years. Many of them also organise Shakespeare in Paradise, the annual theatre festival held in New Providence.
With the new Dundas management team in place, Mr Burrows said that they hope to have productions on the stage year round. "We are also working on creating a new performance space which will come to life in July, and we are very excited about that."
When asked how the compelling drama of 12 Angry Men, set more than 50 years ago in the United States, is relevant to The Bahamas in the 21st century, Mr Burrows said, "Debate is ever present on all topics in our society. Just throw something up on Facebook and wait a few seconds for the barbs and differing opinions to begin. This jury's job is a classic example of such a debate."
12 Angry Men is Rated B and runs over two weeks at The Dundas Centre for the Performing Arts on Mackey Street, Nassau, June 26, 27 and 28 and July 3, 4 and 5. Tickets can be reserved at the Dundas box office by calling 393-3728.
About Ringplay Productions
Ringplay Productions is a not-for-profit Bahamian company founded in 2001 by some of the most experienced actors, directors and theatre creatives in the country. Ringplay is dedicated to furthering the development of the arts in The Bahamas by presenting the best in national, regional and world theatre.
© Copyright 2014 by thebahamasweekly.com
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