Suppose you had to make a decision that was literally a matter of life and death.  Now– suppose you were mistaking preconceptions for facts.

That is the question at the core of Reginald Rose’s classic drama, Twelve Angry Men, running now through December 1 at the Pasadena Playhouse.   Artistic Director Sheldon Epps has given the drama a twenty-first century perspective, by casting six black and six white actors as jurors facing their own biases, while attempting to reach a unanimous verdict.

In addition to the play, the Pasadena Playhouse is involving the community in dialogues, called “Talkback Tuesdays”,  immediately following Tuesday-evening performances.  These special programs feature panels of community leaders, discussing race relations in the community, justice system and the arts.

Actor/teacher/director Barry Pearl, currently celebrating his fifty-second year as a theatre professional, portrays Juror Seven.  He talked with Over Coffee host Dot Cannon about the production, his role and his perceptions of race relations in the arts.