American Justice at the Arts Theatre

American Justice is Richard Vergette's excoriating play about guilt and redemption in America's prison system.

American Justice is set during the eight years of an Obama administration, when idealism and forgiveness may not be all it seems. A political thriller with a deeply affecting and surprising twist, American Justice has won plaudits from critics and audiences alike throughout the UK and makes its West End debut in a new version directed by Lisa Forrell (Tabloid Caligula, London and New York).

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.