To hear more about the production of The Last Days of Judas Iscariot, we went to Stage Manager, Kinzy Sapp, next. Kurt hopes that in seeing the show, audiences “leave with the positive mindset that comes with opening oneself to new perspectives (something we are in dire need of within the current culture of insidious political and socio-religious separatism).” Mara Kolberg, Fabiana Aziza Cunningham

The nature of the work demands a communicative and unselfish artistic environment, and the team has consistently risen to the challenge.” Not only is this production an interesting look at the trial and persecution of Judas Iscariot, but it is socially relevant too. While working with the cast of this production, Kurt informed us that “the team has done a wonderful job from A to Z. In doing so, we are correspondingly asked to investigate how those assumptions intersect with race, religion, justice, forgiveness, and structural bigotry.” “Throughout, it challenges our personal history and icons. Liam Smith (left), Jesus of Nazareth and John David Spence (right), Judas Iscariot It presents an imaginary trial of Judas Iscariot with key historical and religious figures serving as witnesses.” Kurt goes on to explain how the content of the show is meant to provoke audiences to think further about their understanding of the actions of historical figures.

When asked about the show’s content, Kurt gave us insight into the underlying message of the show, which “is often billed as a dark comedy but it notably hard to categorize by genre. To delve into a behind the scenes look at the production of this show, we interviewed director Kurt Heinlein. But why did Judas betray his teacher, and what should be his ultimate fate? In The Last Days of Judas Iscariot, the trial of Judas reveals themes of justice, free-will, forgiveness, and fate. Then, consumed with remorse, he hung himself from an olive tree. Although accounts of his life and motivations vary, tradition holds that Judas betrayed Jesus to the religious and civil authorities of the day. The notorious Judas Iscariot is one of Christendom’s most reviled figures. After many months of hard work and dedication from a talented cast and crew, Missouri State University T&D Department’s The Last Days of Judas Iscariot is ready to hit the stage!

Trial of judas iscariot show