Play stirs up big conversation
Many people are familiar with
the story of Judas Iscariot, the
apostle who betrayed Jesus with a
kiss. His story usually ends with
his death — either suicide by hanging
or being stoned to death by the
11 other apostles, depending on
whom you ask.
Fanshawe's second-year theatre arts students' production of The Last Days of Judas Iscariot, written by Stephen Adly Guirgis, explores what happens to Judas next.
"It's about Judas Iscariot, and a trial that takes place in Hope, within Purgatory," explained Chris Reid-Geisler, who plays the racist, alcoholic Civil War veteran Judge Littlefield presiding over the trial. "He's being tried on whether he should be in Hell or not."
"The whole play touches on the conflict between divine mercy and human free will," he continued. "It asks: Was Judas' (betrayal) of Jesus of free will or was it of divine control?"
The show is a true ensemble piece, according to Jenna Blanken, who plays Judas' defense lawyer, Fabiana Aziza Cunningham.
"They were looking for stuff that challenged the whole ensemble ... it's just something that none of us would have thought that we would end up doing this year," she said. "It was a total surprise and a challenge, which was really great."
The ensemble includes a wide range of characters, including Mother Theresa, Freud and Satan alongside an average joe. "Everyone we bring in to testify has some relation to Judas or some thought about Judas," added Blanken.
Not only does the play encourage the audience to see the Judas story in a new light, it "also humanizes the Judas story. Everyone has betrayed someone before — this is just the biggest example of it," Blanken said.
The story takes place on a pretty amazing set, according to Blanken. "Our Purgatory looks like an abandoned construction site … It really brings the (story) to modern (times)."
The production has been six weeks in the making, and represents the graduating class' final project as Fanshawe students. They had some help from professionals, including Maja Ardal, an esteemed director from Toronto.
The two students would not reveal too many details about the play. "I think the beauty and magic of this play is going into it with no idea of what's going to happen," said Reid-Geisler. "It goes from hysterical laughter to close to home. There's a huge range of (emotions)."
The show takes place on the Fanshawe campus in Citi Plaza, March 30 and 31, April 1 and 2 at 7:30 p.m., with afternoon shows at 2 p.m. on April 2 and 3. Tickets are $15, cash only. To reserve seats, contact Alina Subrt: 519-434-2756 x 230 or asubrt@fanshawec.ca.
Fanshawe's second-year theatre arts students' production of The Last Days of Judas Iscariot, written by Stephen Adly Guirgis, explores what happens to Judas next.
"It's about Judas Iscariot, and a trial that takes place in Hope, within Purgatory," explained Chris Reid-Geisler, who plays the racist, alcoholic Civil War veteran Judge Littlefield presiding over the trial. "He's being tried on whether he should be in Hell or not."
"The whole play touches on the conflict between divine mercy and human free will," he continued. "It asks: Was Judas' (betrayal) of Jesus of free will or was it of divine control?"
The show is a true ensemble piece, according to Jenna Blanken, who plays Judas' defense lawyer, Fabiana Aziza Cunningham.
"They were looking for stuff that challenged the whole ensemble ... it's just something that none of us would have thought that we would end up doing this year," she said. "It was a total surprise and a challenge, which was really great."
The ensemble includes a wide range of characters, including Mother Theresa, Freud and Satan alongside an average joe. "Everyone we bring in to testify has some relation to Judas or some thought about Judas," added Blanken.
Not only does the play encourage the audience to see the Judas story in a new light, it "also humanizes the Judas story. Everyone has betrayed someone before — this is just the biggest example of it," Blanken said.
The story takes place on a pretty amazing set, according to Blanken. "Our Purgatory looks like an abandoned construction site … It really brings the (story) to modern (times)."
The production has been six weeks in the making, and represents the graduating class' final project as Fanshawe students. They had some help from professionals, including Maja Ardal, an esteemed director from Toronto.
The two students would not reveal too many details about the play. "I think the beauty and magic of this play is going into it with no idea of what's going to happen," said Reid-Geisler. "It goes from hysterical laughter to close to home. There's a huge range of (emotions)."
The show takes place on the Fanshawe campus in Citi Plaza, March 30 and 31, April 1 and 2 at 7:30 p.m., with afternoon shows at 2 p.m. on April 2 and 3. Tickets are $15, cash only. To reserve seats, contact Alina Subrt: 519-434-2756 x 230 or asubrt@fanshawec.ca.
