Twelve Angry Jurors

Okay, so it wasn't Henry Fonda and Lee J.Cobb battling wits in the juror's room. The dialogue didn't come flowing out, but the message came across. It was opening night for Twelve Angry Jurors by the Winneshiek Players. There were opening night jitters and lines that were forgotten, but there was also the passion of commuity members who wanted to put on a good show for an appreciative audience. Changing the dynamics from all men to men and women and to a mix of ethnic backgrounds allowed for new and intereting interactions. Female threatening male and me changing their minds more readily than females added new perspectives to the play. It made it seem more current and representative of today's world. It puts into perspective a trial like the Michael Jackson circus that is going on now. The media has swayed many peoples' opinions. Most people you talk to are either prejudiced about him or are apathetic about the whole thing. Court TV wouldn't exist if it weren't for these celebrity trials and Nancy Grace, despite her cocksuredness, would most likely be out of work. Twelve Angry Men (or in the local theatre: Twelve Angry Jurors) reminds us that our civic duty, while certainly not always cut and dry, allows a man or a woman to a fair trial and a jury of our peers (though it is more difficult to go into a trial without some preconceived notions, especially given the medial onslaught of at least the high-profile crimes). Local readers are encouraged to see Twelve Angry Jurors, not so much for the quality of the performances, though there were a few that stood out, but for the message that it conveys. It may just make you think about how fortunate we are in this country to have a judicial system that, though not perfect, is a lot better than the alternatives in most of the world. The play continues tonight and on March 3, 4, and 5. Box office number is (815) 232-6718.