~H1~

The lights dimmed inside Kumble Theatre at Long Island University. As the show begins, an actor speaks–suddenly, you’re a black man being profiled by law enforcement. You’re also being followed, frisked and beaten to unconsciousness. 12 Angry Men, a play directed by Tony Award-Winner George Faison, never has a dull moment as he takes you on a journey across states, various generations, socioeconomic backgrounds and witnesses the accounts of 12 angry black men voiced by a great set of actors.

What 12 Angry Men does well is that it gives voice to the victims of police brutality we never get to hear, many times.

Regardless of sexuality, gender, age or class, 12 Angry Black Men will snatch you out of your seat and put you into the lives of the men telling their stories. Most notable actors included John Amos (“Good Times”) and as Nelsan Ellis (“True Blood”) as well Jerome Preston Bates, Chuck Cooper, Jason Dirden, Stephen McKinley Henderson, Dule Hill, Russell Hornsby, Dorian Missick, Roscoe Orman, Michael Potts, Victor Williams.

Men 12 Angry Men is an original work arranged for theatrical presentation from the book, 12 Angry Men: True Stories of Being a Black Man in America Today edited by Gregory S. Parks and Matthew W.Hughey and published by The New Press. In an  era of contentious debate about controversial police practices and, more broadly, the significance of implications of race throughout American life, including the protests that follow, 12 Angry Men is urgent, moving, and timely, revealing some pointed truths about our nation. A collective of renowned actors will represent a dozen African-American men from across the United States and their personal stories of being racially profiled. The reading includes original projections by renowned artist and graphic designer Hollis King.