From the moment I sit down, the minimal stage is set. A table and some chairs on one side, as well as on the other. Blaring music ensues, demanding attention. Anticipation. One does not know quite what to expect, so we sit in silence, waiting—for some serious action to take place.
And then, one by one, the actors emerge onstage. We, the audience, become voyeurs of an audition scene taking place at a local theatre group, where the actors jauntily greet one another and are excited about their upcoming show.
But little do they know, that 5 days from opening night, their eagerness will soon turn sour by some incriminating news about their fellow castmate. The show’s leading man named Matthew, who has a very tainted past.
And here is where the moral dilemma begins amongst the company of 12. Should one choose to stay and perform alongside this offending man? Or does one just carry on, as if the past has never happened? As judgement rears its ugly head, a wedge begins to form between the cast, and slowly, each actor reveals their thoughts and reasoning behind their decision to stay or go.
There are raw, powerful themes in this production involving the darkness of human behaviour, trauma, discrimination and the real-life moral ethics behind the criminal justice system when it comes forgiving offenders. At times, emotional eruptions awaken our senses and faces us to ponder what personal penance truly means, and whether someone that has already served time deserves to be integrated back into the arms of society, or be left to suffer in vain.
The show’s two leads, Kay and Ted, played by Celine Khoury and Alexander Given, rightly deserve to be greatly applauded, and really carry this show from start to finish.
Celine Khoury, a real-life criminal defence lawyer who co-wrote the show, takes us through the full range of her emotions, blending her raw level of experience with courage, bravery, heart, and passion; taking us through her journey that is, at times, such a Catch-22, it is so difficult to pick a side to lean on. As her compassion asks us not to necessarily decide, but rather to debate whether humans are indeed capable of change, and be granted a second chance at a normal life.
But Alexander Given, a gifted actor playing Kay’s love interest Ted, is truly the one to watch. From the moment he appeared on stage, his naturalistic energy and strength of character shone through. Every intent was clear. Every nuanced choice in every scene was so organic, innate and genuine, with a style all his own. Even in his most emotionally-charged scenes, he was able to build them slowly, taking us on his character’s complex journey with great aplomb, and to great effect.
In all, this show is an absolute must-see for those who are craving something different in modern Australian theatre. For this show was more than simply a drama. It kept us open-minded. It was thought-provoking, adding modern themes that will surely speak to fresh audiences for generations to come.
To book tickets to 12 Angry Actors, please visit https://meatmarket.org.au/event/12-angry-actors/2026-08-20/.
