'Last Days of Judas' has a few words about guilt
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THEATER REVIEW Even the most casual theologian is familiar with the biblical paradox that God is simultaneously vengeful and all-forgiving. We’re exhorted to both fear the damning consequences of our selfish actions and rest in the blessed assurance of eternal mercy. Stephen Adly Guirgis’ fascinating 2005 play “The Last Days of Judas Iscariot” gnaws on that conundrum. Set in Purgatory—a locale somewhat more arresting than, say, the bleachers at Wrigley Field—the play uses a mix of deceased biblical, historical and fictional characters to consider the case of one Judas Iscariot (Michael Patrick Thornton), betrayer of Jesus (Syler Thomas) and recipient of silver. Does Judas deserve his hell? Or was he, like many of us poor innocents, mostly the victim of some shrewdly political rewriting of history? "The Last Days of Judas Iscariot" through July 20 at Victory Gardens Greenhouse, 2257 N. Lincoln Ave. Running time: 2 hours, 50 minutes. Tickets: $35-$40 at 773-871-3000. |
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Date: May 14, 2008
Gift Theatre to move 'Judas Iscariot'
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Gift Theatre's production of "The Last Days of Judas Iscariot" by Stephen Adly Guirgis is transferring to the Victory Gardens Greenhouse, 2257 N. Lincoln Ave. Gift has done well with the show at its tiny, rectangular home at 4802 N. Milwaukee Ave. in Jefferson Park, where the production is in its final week. The show will officially re-open in Lincoln Park on June 12 and play there through July 20. |