Ryan Gage Stars in Richard Vergette's AMERICAN JUSTICE at The Arts Theatre, Jan 10-Feb 9

Ryan Gage returns to the West End to star in American Justice, British playwright Richard Vergette's searing 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, the play opens at The Arts Theatre in January 2013. American Justice has won plaudits from critics and audiences alike throughout the UK. Lisa Forrell will direct a new version of the play for the West End premiere.

As Barack Obama sweeps to power, John Daniels (Peter Tate) 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 (Ryan Gage). 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.

American Justice stars Ryan Gage, last seen in the West End in Ghost Stories and in the RSC's Hamlet. He has recently finished filming The Hobbit films 2 and 3 directed by Peter Jackson, which are due out in 2013.

The other members of the cast include David Schaal (The Office and The Inbetweeners) and Peter Tate, whose previous work includes leading roles at the Almeida, National Theatre and The Actors Studio, NYC. Lisa Forrell has directed over 26 productions in London and the regions, most recently an acclaimed revival of Dark at the Top of the Stairs at the Belgrade Theatre, Coventry. American Justice is designed by Signe Beckmann (The Serpent's Tooth, Talawa/Almeida) and features films by Callum Cooper (Full Circle).

Designed by Signe Beckmann with Lighting by Colin Grenfell, Sound by Tom Lishman and featuring Ryan Gage, David Schaal and Peter Tate, American Justice runs 10 January 2012 – 9 February 2013, Mon-Sat 7.30pm and Sat mats 4pm (mats from 19 Jan). Previews 10th - 14th Jan at 7.30pm; Press Night 15 Jan at 7.30pm. All performances take place at The Arts Theatre, Great Newport Street, London WC2H 7JB.

Box Office: 020 7836 8463 or online at www.artstheatrewestend.com. Tickets £22.50 (concs £17.50). Previews and Mondays: all seats £17.50.

For more about the play, visit www.americanjusticetheplay.com.

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