Night of January 16th by Ayn Rand (Vintage 1971 Edition)

“Night of January 16th” is a play by Ayn Rand, first produced in 1934. The play is unique in that the ending is determined by the audience, who serve as the jury in a murder trial.

The play takes place in a courtroom, where Karen Andre, a successful businesswoman, is on trial for the murder of her lover, Bjorn Faulkner. The audience hears testimony from various witnesses, including Andre herself, as well as Faulkner’s secretary, his former business partner, and a private investigator.

At the end of the play, the audience is asked to vote on whether Andre is guilty or not guilty. The outcome of the trial is therefore different at each performance, depending on the audience’s verdict.

“Night of January 16th” is a tense and thought-provoking drama that raises questions about justice, morality, and the nature of truth. The play reflects Rand’s interest in individualism, objectivism, and the pursuit of self-interest, themes that are central to much of her later work. Despite its unusual structure, the play has been widely produced and remains a popular work of American theater.