The Théâtre Hébertot is staging a revival of 12 Angry Men, adapted from Reginald Rose's play by Francis Lombrail and directed by Charles Tordjman, from September 25, 2025. This version, which has been running for several seasons, is now in its ninth year and has attracted more than 300,000 spectators. The show offers a new immersion in this closed-door courtroom drama, which has become a classic of the contemporary repertoire, revisiting the text written in 1953 and brought to the screen by Sidney Lumet four years later.
The plot takes place in the United States, in a courtroom deliberation room where twelve jurors must decide the fate of a young man accused of parricide. While the majority consider his guilt to be obvious, one juror expresses doubts, reminding the others that the verdict must be unanimous. Through a series of tense exchanges, the group confronts its certainties, prejudices, and personal perceptions. The play highlights the mechanisms of collective decision-making, individual responsibility, and the influences that weigh on a man's judgment.
Charles Tordjman's staging relies on a minimalist set design that focuses attention on the dialogue and dramatic progression. The minimalist set design reinforces the intensity of the closed-door setting, highlighting the changing power dynamics between the jurors. Francis Lombrail's French adaptation highlights the precision of Reginald Rose's text and the relevance of its message, which questions the way justice is administered and the convictions that shape individual reasoning.
The cast includes Amine Chaïb, Antoine Courtray, Philippe Crubezy, Olivier Cruveiller, Adel Djemai, Christian Drillaud, Thierry Gibault, Claude Guedj, Geoffroy Guerrier, Xavier de Guillebon, Florent Hill-Chouaki, Yves Lambrecht, Roch Leibovici, Pierre Alain Leleu, Francis Lombrail, Charlie Nelson, Alain Rimoux, François Raüch de Roberty, and Pascal Ternisien. This expanded cast allows for the alternation of performers throughout the run of the show while maintaining the collective dynamic that characterizes the play.
An iconic work of courtroom theater, 12 Angry Men explores themes that are still relevant today: the power of prejudice, the ability to question established opinions, and the value of doubt in the decision-making process. The show has a permanent place in the Théâtre Hébertot's program, which is offering a new series of performances for the 2025-2026 season.
Our review:
A verbal joust not to be missed! On stage, twelve men are immersed in a minimalist setting: a long bench and an opening, symbolizing a window on the world. From the very first seconds, the audience is captivated by this intense closed-door drama, where a duel between truth and prejudice, between injustice and reason, unfolds.
For 1 hour and 20 minutes, the plot takes us on an endless quest for truth, where every word weighs heavily and tensions intensify with each exchange. The characters, from diverse social backgrounds, seek to convince individuals they would probably never have met in their lives. The subtle but relentless evolution of the dynamic keeps the audience on the edge of their seats until the very last second.
This brilliant adaptation of Reginald Rose's film highlights characters that are impossible to remain indifferent to. You will be shocked, intrigued, and captivated in turn. A show not to be missed!
12 Angry Men can be seen at the Théâtre Hébertot from September 25, 2025.
Dates and Opening Time
From September 25, 2025 to December 27, 2025
Location
Théâtre Hébertot
78 bis Boulevard des Batignolles
75017 Paris 17
Prices
€15 - €32
Official website
www.theatrehebertot.com
