“The Last Days of Judas Iscariot” showcases University talent

Most people know who Jesus was, but who was Judas Iscariot?

"I had absolutely no idea who Judas Iscariot was until after I got the role. When I auditioned for him, I assumed Judas was just the biblical name for Jesus so I read for it like that. Never told that to our director though... sorry Grant," freshman Andrew Gelles who played Judas Iscariot in "The Last Days of Judas Iscariot" said.

Before Jesus was crucified for the sins of the world, Judas Iscariot was the guy who handed him over to the Romans for thirty pieces of silver. He was one of Jesus' 12 disciples and was very close to him.

After the crucifixion, Judas hung himself on an olive branch. Judas is not talked about as much as the other disciples in the Bible.

"The Last Days of Judas Iscariot" is a play written by Stephen Adly Guirgis that takes a deeper look at this overlooked biblical character.
Before the play even begins, the audience steps into the pit of hell. Red light is cast on the entire room and a cast of characters laden in black entice each other in lust and tempts audience members to bob for apples.

A mother's woes for her dead son opens up the first act and lands the story in a court room purgatory, the supposed "waiting area" between heaven and hell.

A special case comes to surface. God and the Kingdom of Heaven v.s. Judas Iscariot. Two lawyers battle it out to defend their side to determine if Judas goes to heaven or hell.

Witnesses brought to the stand not only include biblical historical character like Pontius Pilate and Satan, but also Mother Teresa and Sigmund Freud.

The play delved into the life of Judas and the people and situation surrounding him. It taps into question about God, sin, religion, morals, forgiveness and a million other things. It gives the audience food for thought, whether or not they even believe in God.

"It's not what I expected, in a good way," audience member Karim El Rabiey said.

Sophomore Directing major Kevin P. Joyce said, "I have seen a lot of Pace theatre, but this was one of the most moving and inspirational experiences I've ever had."

"The play makes you question your own religion and beliefs. For me, it was about learning something new while doing something I love." Junior BFA Acting major Jassmine Pierce who played Saint Monica said.

The set demonstrated a creative use of wooden pallets, plexiglass and moss. There was even a screen to show a video clip for evidence in the courtroom. These elements, combined with the lighting, formed an atmosphere that blended history with contemporary times.

This production really showed the talent that is in the University's theater program. There were a good number of freshmen acting and every person was dedicated to his or her character.

The play had hilarious parts with a fresh take at religious figures like Saint Monica, who was portrayed as a blunt, cussing, funny woman who nagged her way to get things with God.

The actors who played the two lawyers, Chelsea Roe and Spencer Bazzano, carried the show. Roe was very believable and motivated to really put up a case for Judas.

Satan was also a fascinating character that really made the audience think. Mike DePaolo made him seem cunning and deceptive, but attractive on the surface.

When asked about how it was to portray Judas, Gelles said, "Judas was a really weird role to play for me, I guess my overall goal with it was to just show that Judas wasn't a monster or anything but just another guy at a bar who was at the wrong place at the wrong time. Its tough trying to convince the audience that one of the greatest betrayers of all time might actually be innocent."

Junior BFA acting major Stephon Pettway who played the Judge said, "It was great to work with incredible people. I enjoyed working with the cast so much. I loved the comradery we had and working on an incredible piece. Going home and questioning it and doing it all over again."

"The Last Days of Judas Iscariot" is not just a play, but also an exploration into themes that is still impacting audiences today.