Twelve Angry Teachers
Twelve teachers hold a closed hearing to decide the fate of a high school student accused of showing up drunk at a school play rehearsal and destroying a valuable prop. If they decide to expel her, the vote must be unanimous. However, the teachers have different backgrounds, varied experiences, and assorted motivations. From the thoughtful remedial education teacher to the quick-to-judge assistant coach, how will such a diverse group make such an important decision? About 40 minutes.
Productions
Behind The Scenes
PLAYWRIGHT GERALD MURPHY TALKS ABOUT HIS PLAY
TWELVE ANGRY TEACHERS
Q: WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO WRITE THIS PLAY AND WHERE DID THE CHARACTERS COME FROM?
A: I worked as a high school English teacher and drama coach for over thirty years in Northern California. Most of the characters in this play are composite sketches of students, teachers, and administrators I have come across during my career. My school actually put on "Little Shop of Horrors," a very successful production, I might add. And I must give some credit here to writer Reginald Rose and his 1957 production of "Twelve Angry Men," a show that opened the eyes of many in America to the problem of racial prejudice and profiling.