Angry, opinionated, dazzling | Trinity’s latest production sets audiences talking 

Initially premiering in London’s West End in 1964, there’s something about Reginald Rose’s Twelve Angry Men that audiences across the decades haven’t quite been able to pin down. 

On paper, it doesn’t sell itself well: for the most part, 12 actors sit in one room and remain in conversation with each other across the two acts. But the audiences who came to Trinity’s recent production of the hallowed play discovered just how impactful this unique story is, inspiring timeless conversations about personal prejudice, justice, and the power of our emotions. 

This production marks Mr Julian Kennard’s debut as Director after taking up the Head of Drama role at the beginning of this year. 

“It has been an honour to work with this talented cast of young men to bring Twelve Angry Men to the Trinity Grammar School stage,” he says. “The unwavering commitment, collaboration, and generosity each actor has brought to the process have been a heartening reminder of the collective good in our community.” 

Twelve Angry Men takes a different tone to the plays students have been involved with in recent years.

“It’s a realism-based play and it’s a very mature type of role that I have to play. ” says Ronak B (10SC), who plays Juror 4, characterised by his rational approach to deliberation and his composure as conversations unfold. “In other plays we’ve done a lot of caricatures, heavy-hitting, comic characters, but this time it’s a lot more realistic, more like in the movies.” 

Indeed, film star Henry Fonda first portrayed the protagonistic Juror 8 in the 1957 film where this story gained a global audience and enduring fame. 

Aiden C (11LA), who takes on this role in his sixth and final Trinity production, says that the shift in vibe and the new direction has made this production something special. 

“It’s such a serious and realistic play,” he says. “I really think that this is a good opportunity for us to display our talents as realist actors and put on a show that emulates real life.” 

Christian V (11ST), in the role of the loud, opinionated Juror 3, says that Mr Kennard’s direction has given him a boost. 

“Mr Kennard has done an excellent job. He’s gotten more out of me than I think anyone else could have,” he says. “He’s given us a serious play … it’s hard when 12 characters are on stage the entire time. He’s given me the discipline, he’s given me so much that’s allowed me to step into a role of such seriousness and composure. It’s been one brilliant ride.” 

James S (11HE) conducted interviews with the cast and crew, and then roamed the lobby during the interval of the final performance, speaking to audience members who were amazed at the skill of the actors on stage. 

“I love coming to Trinity Productions, and I’m loving seeing some of these guys who are now in Year 11 and 12, when I used to come along and see them acting when they were in Year 7 and 8, seeing them now, how they’ve developed, and what a great job they’re doing.” 

Mr Anthony Slaven (Drama and English Teacher) was also in the audience and shared his praise: 

“It’s been absolutely magnificent. I’ve never seen such an outstanding performance from such a strong ensemble. No matter where you look on stage, everyone’s living in the moment and everyone’s a fully fledged character.” 

It’s not just those under the spotlight who aced their roles – the students backstage also made sure the production was possible. 

Tomas K (11HI) has been both behind the scenes and on stage before, but this year he stepped into some big shoes: those of Stage Manager, a role that Mr Ben Cotton (AV Specialist and Production Manager) would usually fill. 

“I really get to challenge myself and see what I can really do,” Tomas says. “I call the audio cues and visual cues and make sure that everyone’s doing their job properly.” 

He says no matter the role or the production, there’s always one clear highlight.

“One highlight is definitely the community that’s been built around here. It’s really nice to do things you enjoy with the people that you like. I think that’s something great.” 

While the actors may have reams of lines to memorise, the backstage crew are there at rehearsals, making sure everything runs smoothly over the months of preparation, including during the School holidays, just like their thespian counterparts. 

“We’ve been here and we’ve been working hard,” says Sethum U (9ST). 

And their hard work has paid off, with Jay R(11SC), the Lighting Director reporting that while rehearsals had their fair share of mistakes, the performances to audiences went smoothly. 

Sam D (12WE), a member of the Media Crew, says that these mistakes are just par for the course. 

“Even when we mess up it’s an experience, and it’s great being there.” 

For Sam and his fellow Media Crew member, Ethan E (12WE), this production marked a milestone. 

“I’m feeling overwhelmingly sad, you know, Media Crew has been a part of me since I was in Year 7, so it’s my final production and it’s pretty sad,” Ethan said before changing tacks and joking that he’d be open to being hired by Trinity after graduating so that he could be involved in more productions. 

While this year’s Year 12s may have taken their final bows, Mr Kennard is cooking up the next production, and you can rely on some fresh talent waiting in the wings for whichever story will be told next.