American Justice by Richard Vergette at Arts Theatre

American Justice, by Richard Vergette, opens at the Arts Theatre, 15 Jan 2013, following previews from 10 Jan - running to 9 Feb 2013.

Political thriller about guilt and redemption in America's deep south. Set during the eight years of an Obama administration, when idealism and forgiveness may not be all they seem.

Directed by Lisa Forrell, and starring Ryan Gage (Lee Fenton), Peter Tate (John Daniels), David Schaal.

Designed by Signe Beckmann, lighting by Colin Grenfell, sound by Tom Lishman. Produced by The Playground Studio and Echo, in association with Louise Chantal.

As Barack Obama sweeps to power, John Daniels is elected to Congress. The fulfillment of this political ambition is marred by personal tragedy when his only daughter is murdered in a random shooting by a feral, illiterate thug, Lee Fenton . Fenton is sentenced to death when Daniels, in an apparent act of altruism and forgiveness, appeals for clemency on the condition that he is allowed to educate the boy himself. What follows is a visceral exposé of criminal retribution, restorative justice and moral relativism.