The Power of ‘Angry People’

With the jury system under attack for controversial verdicts in such high-profile cases as O.J. Simpson’s, it’s a smart idea now to revive “Twelve Angry Men,” a 1950s ode to people of conscience and just decisions based on the facts.

Under Joe Powers’ spirited direction, the San Diego Black Ensemble Theatre and the Ensemble Arts Theatre have transformed “Twelve Angry Men” into “Twelve Angry People,” offering a mix of black and white, male and female faces instead of the all-white-male cast of the original.

The stark racial tension of the original is lost; white men no longer are deciding the fate of a young black male. But a new, more accurate reality emerges as prejudice and wisdom essays from blacks and whites alike, and women and men are cold and compassionate.

Powers does a fine job with a local cast that is strong in individual characterizations. Each actor finds his or her own way of summoning extraordinary moments of revelation from ordinary details.

Walter Murray, the Black Ensemble Theatre’s executive director, plays the juror who stands alone with his belief that there is reasonable doubt in the case. This is the part that Henry Fonda immortalized in the 1957 film version, and Murray brings his own unflappable dignity to it.

T.J. Johnson explodes as Murray’s nemesis, a juror who has his own reasons for wanting the accused to fry. Heidi Wilson is cool and effectively collected as a patrician juror who sees this as an open-and-shut case. Kurt Reichert brings compassion to his role as an immigrant juror looking at the American system of justice appreciatively, from the outside.

Trina Kaplan summons up the pain of an older person who identifies with the loneliness of some witnesses. Lamont D. Johnson keeps the collective passions contained as the foreman, with a firm sense of control tempered by a wry sense of humor.

Powers and Nancy Carpenter have created the simplest of sets--just what’s needed and not a drop more: three long tables pushed together, 12 chairs, a water cooler with cups, a handful of notices on bulletin boards.

It’s another emotionally rich, thought-provoking piece of work by the 4-year-old Black Ensemble Theatre, which has established a new home under the auspices of the Ensemble Arts Theatre. Both small, daring companies are welcome examples of how much depth can be plumbed with dedication and the most limited resources.

* “Twelve Angry People,” Ensemble Arts Studio Theatre, 2323 Broadway, Golden Hill, San Diego. Fri.-Sat. 8 p.m.; Sun. 7 p.m. Ends Oct. 13. $8-$10. (619) 696-9508. Running time: 1 hour, 28 minutes.

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“Twelve Angry People”

Lamont Thompson: Jury Foreman

Michael Higgins: Juror No. 2

T.J. Johnson: Juror No. 3

Heidi Wilson: Juror No. 4

Sean Flannery: Juror No. 5

Kimberly King: Juror No. 6

Julian Rozzell Jr.: Juror No. 7

Walter Murray: Juror No. 8

Trina Kaplan: Juror No. 9

Bobby Larsen: Juror No. 10

Kurt Reichert: Juror No. 11

Denton Davis: Juror No. 12

Jane Sandri: Guard

A San Diego Black Ensemble Theatre and Ensemble Arts Theatre co-production of Sherman L. Sergel’s adaptation of a teleplay by Reginald Rose. Directed by Joe Powers. Sets: Powers and Nancy Carpenter. Lights: Powers. Sound: Michael Hemmingson. Stage manager: Yvette Jones.