The Richmond High School theater department is presenting its version of the play “12 Incompetent Jurors,” based on the Emmy Award-Winning television movie “12 Angry Men” by Reginald Rose and adapted for the stage by Ian McWethy. The play will be presented at 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday, March 10-11; and at 2 p.m. Sunday, March 12.

“This is a comedy and we are hoping for community interest,” said Richmond High School theater teacher Shari Donaldson.

“We are looking at a classic but in a new way,” The play contemplates the huge responsibility of 12 ordinary people as they consider the guilt or innocence of a young person accused of stealing cats. The 12 jurors bring their histories, prejudices and biases to the jury room as they work through guilty or not guilty decisions – this play works through the issues at hand in a very human way.

Donaldson chose this play as a challenge for the students to bring their character to life, she mentioned.

“I chose this play because in the past we’ve done elaborate sets and this play challenges the students to learn their character – becoming that character – not depending on a set to make the show,” said the theater teacher.

Actor and sophomore Serenity Taylor described her character as “a snooty law school dropout” and urges community members to come to watch the play.

“The entire goal for my character is to convince everyone that the alleged criminal is innocent. She gets pretty crazy in some of the arguments,” said Taylor. “The most challenging part has been blocking and memorizing lines. I don’t want the set to feel bland.”

Freshman Jazspher Ulleberg said his character is there to protect his wife, with the most challenging part was to create an Italian accent for the character.

“Getting to know and practicing with everyone has been my favorite part,” he said. “I’m also the only guy in the show – which has been interesting.”

The theater students have practiced hard and are anticipating opening night.

Tickets are $5 for students and $8 for adults at the Farris Theatre on Main Street in Richmond.