Set in New York in 1957, a 16-year-old foreign boy is on trial for murder. His fate rests in the hands of 12 jurors; 12 men who must unanimously decide on the life of the young defendant, knowing full well that a guilty verdict carries the mandatory death penalty. Locked in a stuffy, airless room, and arguing over the various aspects of the case, the 12 jurors sometimes identify and sometimes clash. Every vote is a battle, but a battle that must be won with the truth. What will be their verdict?

“Twelve Angry Men,” originally conceived as a teleplay by Reginald Rose in 1954, is a gripping courtroom drama that brings people face to face with their conscience and reflects on deeply ingrained social prejudices. Adapted for both stage and film, it has enthralled audiences the world over for nearly 70 years. 

The award-winning play has been translated into Greek by Konstantina Nikolaidi and is now entering its seventh year at the Aensis Theater in Athens. Produced by A Priori and directed by Nikolaidi, the Greek version is called “The 12 Jurists.”

In a recent recent interview, Nikolaidi mused on the cultural significance of the play in today’s world:

“The work of Reginald Rose is more relevant and more necessary than ever, especially in terms of freedom of speech and freedom of thought in this dystopian reality we are now experiencing. Rose’s play also explores notions of kindness, acceptance of diversity, respect and forgiveness. These are the 12 Jurists for me at the moment. What they whisper and scream at me in every rehearsal and what I want them to whisper and scream at you in every show.”

The hugely successful run at the Aensis Theater is testament to how much audiences are eager to see this famous play.

The seventh season, which premiered in October, stages performances every Wednesday and Saturday at 19.15, Fridays at 21.30, and Sundays at 18.30.

Wednesday performances are accompanied by Greek and English subtitles. Ticket prices range from 10 to 18 euros.

For more information and ticket reservations, call Anesis Theater (tel. 210 771 8943).

For other productions by A Priori this season, visit the website.