On Feb. 27, at 7:30 p.m. in the Simonsen Indoor Theater the play “The Last Days of Judas Iscariot” by Stephen Adly Guirgis took place. The show ran from Feb. 25 to Feb. 28, with two showings on Feb. 28 at 2:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
When walking inside the theater, you must walk on stage to this decorated wasteland, where the audience must sit in the stands acting as a part of the grand jury. This very intimate staging is what fully captures the audiences’ attention throughout the play.
When watching the play, the audience is transported to purgatory; however, before they are transported the audience must first watch the events that took place to Judas (Luke Kratt) and Jesus (Matthew Ochoa). In these past events, the audience see’s how Judas betrays Jesus.
For the rest of the play Judas is on trial; however, he is not on the stand he is instead mentioned and seen through flashbacks. His lawyer Cunningham (Annakate Crossley) tries to argue how Judas is innocent throughout the trial; however, the prosecutor El-Fayoumi (James-Perry Cartanares) argues how Judas is guilty.
During this trial, the audience sees many known people who were once alive on Earth some being Mother Teressa (Cyndi Cerda), Pontus Pilate (Joshua Ruiz), Sigmund Freud (Jake Kimsey). The audience also gets to meet Satan (Madison Christensen). Each of these characters are called to the stand to testify if Judas was a good or bad person. This trial determines if Judas will go to heaven or stay in hell.
The actors did a fantastic job when inhabiting each character, they made the audience believe that they were in fact the characters they were each playing. However, the overuse of cussing felt very unnecessary and forced. I felt there could’ve been other ways to express their anger or feelings. I understand they are trying to use words this generation uses, but I feel this is what made some of the acting a little bad. There were some comedic parts, but with the overuse of cuss words made it less comedic.
Overall, the play was very enjoyable to watch, and each actor did well fully getting into character. The next show BC’s theater will be putting on is “Orlando” by Sarah Ruhl from March. 26. to March. 29.