A comical and modernized biblical story about Judas Iscariot is now playing on the Pavilion Theatre stage.
The actors performed a preview of the show -- The Last Days of Judas Iscariot --on Tuesday and will do another tonight. There will also be seven shows following the first regular performance Friday.
It shows historical figures testifying for or against Judas --the man who in the Bible was said to betray Jesus -- who is in a catatonic state.
"It's a courtroom drama that takes place in purgatory, and they bring the case of whether or not Judas was guilty of the betrayal of Jesus," Joseph Barone (graduate- acting ) said.
He said several unexpected characters show up in the play -- like historical figures Sigmund Freud and Mother Teresa -- and biblical characters are portrayed as living in modern times.
"It's an in-depth look at how people throughout history said Judas was the evil character and that he's in hell," Nick Reynolds (graduate-theatre) said. "We think we have it all figured out, and the story takes you through the decisions made surrounding Judas and who he could have been despite the fact that we don't know much about him."
Reynolds plays the judge in the play.
"I get to see all the characters, and every single witness has their own fascinating story to tell that gives the audience a different way to look at the character," Reynolds said.
Actor Amir Abdullah (graduate-theatre) plays the prosecuting attorney in the performance. He said the play challenges preconceptions about Freud and Mother Theresa.
"It explores the different flaws in these historical figures who have been held up on a pedestal," Abdullah said. "Everyone makes mistakes and everyone has flaws."
Barone said it doesn't matter what religion audience members may be --people will know who the characters are.
"I'm Muslim, and for me it's an eye-opening experience for me to have to study and look at a different book than the book I live by, which is the Quran," Abdullah said. "To see the Bible interpreted differently is eye-opening and something I have never been a part of before."
