In the controversial play, The Last Days of Judas Iscariot, the question is posed as to why Judas should go to Hell if in fact his betrayal to Jesus was predestined. In Last Days both sides are argued as Judas finds himself tried in Purgatory where lawyers Fabiana Aziza Cunningham (Kas Hesek) and Yusef Akbar Azziz Alnassar Gamel El-Fayoumy (Dennis Paul) take on opposite stances doing their best to sway the jury. Should he be condemned to Hell or allowed to enter the pearly gates of Heaven?
The play is extremely funny at times though it remains thought provoking and poignant throughout. Written by Stephen Adly Guirgis, director Craig J. Engel calls it one of the best scripts he has ever read – and he might be right. Guirgis masterfully blends humor and witty dialogue with the feelings of loneliness, guilt and heartbreak. Last Days has plenty of heavy moments such as Jesus’ reaching out to Judas after the fact, but is very balanced in its way of bringing levity in between to so many of the play’s characters and courtroom scenes.
As Judas’ trial goes on, many influential figures of the past are called to testify including, Caiphas, Mother Theresa, Sigmund Freud and even Satan himself, who claims to “love God” because, “He made me – What’s not to love about him?”
Engel should get major credit for taking on such a subversive script and making it work flawlessly thanks to his pinpoint direction and vision. The Last Days of Judas Iscariot translates well to its audience, keeping the house thoroughly engrossed for nearly 2 ½ hours, and may be the director’s best effort to date.
There were so many wonderful performances by the cast members in Last Days it is difficult to know where to start. David Lichty (who was tremendous in a recent production of City of Angels) once again showed off his talent this time as the witness Caiphas delivering an emotional climatic scene in which he contended that no one could possibly know what it was like to be in his shoes, that being an upholder of Hebrew law and what to do with Jesus who continuously broke them. Also powerful was Marcus C. Gentry who played Pontius Pilate, appearing cool as a cucumber and a bit aloof while on the stand until finally, after much interrogating by the attorney Fabiana, he loses his patience and gives the courtroom an earful in what was a very expressive performance that was as real as it was strong. Note to casting directors – Marcus C. Gentry has big screen talent.
So many standouts, including Lorrisa Julianus as the trampy (and very amusing) Saint Monica and Dustin Carroll as a dark, despair-filled Judas, make this play the success that it is. The in-court chemistry between rival lawyers (Hasek and Paul) is fun to watch as the fast-talking and flirtatious Yusef chases after the stern Fabiana while at the same time they present their cases and examine each witness.
I must also take a moment to acknowledge the fine performance of Gus Gustafson who plays the Prince of Lies himself, Satan. Gustafson’s portrayal of Satan is unquestionably smarmy as a master manipulator but is also nicely presented with the swagger and arrogance one would associate with the dark lord.
The Last Days of Judas Iscariot is presented by Theatre-on-the-Hill in Bolingbrook where it is performed at the Bolingbrook Performing Arts Center (375 W. Briarcliff). The theatre is intimate and has a unique ambience, making it a very pleasant place to watch a live show. I highly recommend this production and can say without hesitation that it is worth the drive if you live in Chicago – or anywhere within striking distance for that matter. Last Days is performed Friday-Sundays through March 29th.
For more information on The Last Days of Judas Iscariot, go to www.tothbloingbrook.com.
