March 28, 2024 Breaking News, Latest News, and Videos

Show Promotes Spiritual Unity Through Everyone’s Point of View:

Jeremy Alum’s adaptation of “The Last Days of Judas Iscariot” covers all things biblical, but expands to encompass some of the pure wonder of life. From the biblical approach of purgatory, to what some believe is the greatest crime a human has ever committed (the betrayal of Jesus Christ), this performance runs the gamut of thought-provoking elements.

“This play is about humanity. It’s the exact reason I do theater,” said director Alum. “It tells us that we are all the same and need to accept each others flaws.”

One strong issue addressed in the wide range of themes, is that of brotherhood and forgiveness. Alum, following the footsteps of Phillip Seymour Hoffman (who directed the original, off-Broadway production) takes a bold approach in letting you decided what’s fact and fiction – what’s real and not – much like our choice in spiritual beliefs.

In the performance, you as the audience get to see firsthand testimonials of some of the most prominent figures in the history of religion and spirituality. From the Apostles’ point of views, to Saint Monica (played by the very talented Lowam Eyasu), to Mother Theresa (the charming Fayna Sanchez, who normally plays the Archangel but stood in to play the famed saint in this performance) or even Satan himself (the sneaky and bold talent of Levi Sochet) – they all have a unique point of view used to dissect the case of Judas. Pontius Pilate (played strongly by the handsome Paul Tully) even takes the stand and tells his side of the story. As does Judas’ Mother (Michelle Mania) and the Great Sanhedrin Caiaphas (Adam Tsekhman). Even Sigmund Freud (Amire Levi) has an opinion on the matter (surprise), to promote a “Judas was Mental approach” – one of the many parallels to a modern day court trail.

For those who have ever been a juror, every approach that has ever been heard in a courtroom – is presented in this play. The Defendant Lawyer (played by the powerful Jessica Culciati) who tries to retrace the steps of a great Iscariot’s childhood, is the same one who tries to present an insanity approach to win the case for the defendant. Pontius Pilate himself masterfully executes the “Spin Doctor” technique, as every time someone tries to discredit him, he puts a positive spin on it (much like a politician). When confronted with, “You were so convinced that you did nothing wrong, yet, out of the 700 crucifixions you were responsible for, Jesus Christ was the only one you washed your hands of.” Pontius smoothly replied, “My crucifixion rate was down 70 percent from my Predecessor.”

“Pontius was in a tough predicament and a tough spot,” tells Tully after the show. “Pontius and Judas are very similar to man now days… No one ever looks at their point of view.”

Every source of dramatic entertainment is seen in this performance – from movie format to classic stage theater. There is comic relief too, delivered with the on-queue quirkiness of Nick Mills, whose character El-Fayoumy supplies humor that you have to see to truly appreciate. He gravels at Mother Theresa’s feet, backs down against Satan, and even goes as far as to hit on the defense attorney.

Now keep in mind, the entire play takes place in Purgatory. “The concept that we can blame the heavens for our problems, but ultimately it is our free will that gets us where we are – be it a place of forgiveness or a place of damnation is what this play is all about,” said avid theatre-goer Nichole Joor, who was also attending the preview night.

“We are all from different backgrounds, and we all have different ideas, morals, and what not… Judas could of easily have saved himself if he allowed himself to love as Jesus and forgive like Jesus,” said Sanchez (Mother Theresa, Archangel), “Just like the people in the world today, we have to learn how to forgive ourselves. Religion is narrow minded, and theatre is meant to be though provoking.”

Thought provoking is exactly what “Last Days of Judas Iscariot” accomplishes. With its witted humor, modern-day parallelisms, to astonishing-jaw- dropping, never-be-forgotten last scene, this is one play you don’t want to miss during its limited Los Angeles run. In a perfect world, every director’s dream is to win the favor of the critics, and the audience. Alum has done just that, as he has directed an amazing and talented cast.

Admission: $20 Gen, $18 Students and Seniors. Sun $15.

Showtimes: (Nov. 19 – Dec. 12)

8 p.m. on Fri. & Sat., 7 p.m on Sun.

CoA the Alexandria (Third Floor)

501 Spring Street

Los Angeles, CA 90013

Related Posts

Film Review: Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One

July 19, 2023

July 19, 2023

FILM REVIEWMISSION IMPOSSIBLE – DEAD RECKONING PART ONERated PG-13163 MinutesReleased July 11th The story in this “Mission: Impossible” chapter, “Dead...

Film Review: Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny

July 5, 2023

July 5, 2023

FILM REVIEWINDIANA JONES AND THE DIAL OF DESTINYRated PG-13154 MinutesReleased June 30th The director of Indiana Jones and the Dial...

Film Review: Past Lives

June 27, 2023

June 27, 2023

FILM REVIEWPAST LIVESRated PG-13105 MinutesLimited Releases June 2nd and June 9th, Full Release June 23rd The Korean concept of “In...

Film Review: Sanctuary

June 8, 2023

June 8, 2023

FILM REVIEWSANCTUARYRated R96 MinutesReleased May 19th In my humble estimation, this is one of the best movies of the year....

Film Review: The Little Mermaid

June 2, 2023

June 2, 2023

FILM REVIEWTHE LITTLE MERMAIDRated PG135 MinutesReleased May 26th With today’s technological developments, a live-action The Little Mermaid is not only...

A Riveting Revival of the Pulitzer Prize-Winning “A Soldier’s Play” Now Playing At The Ahmanson Theatre

May 31, 2023

May 31, 2023

On Stage With… Murder mysteries, whether cinematic or theatrical, are one of the most popular subjects. The list is quite...

Film Review: Chevalier

May 12, 2023

May 12, 2023

By Kathryn Boole  RATED PG-13107 MinutesReleased April 21, 2023 Chevalier is based on the true story of a historical figure...

Ballet at the Broad Stage Memorial Weekend – Meet the Talent!

May 10, 2023

May 10, 2023

Westside Ballet of Santa Monica returns to the Broad Stage with special guest artists kicking off Friday May 26th with...

Elizabeth McGovern Lights Up The Stage in “Ava – The Secret Conversations”

April 26, 2023

April 26, 2023

Play About Legendary Screen Star Runs Until May 14 At The Geffen Playhouse By Beverly Cohn Ava Gardner, born Ava...

Unconventional Art Festival “The Other Art Fair” Returns to Santa Monica This Weekend

March 31, 2023

March 31, 2023

140 independent artists, immersive installations, performances, DJs, and a fully stocked bar await visitors at Barker Hangar The Other Art...

Samohi Theatre’s “The Drowsy Chaperone” Takes the Stage in Santa Monica

March 1, 2023

March 1, 2023

Shows will take place at Barnum Hall on March 3 and 4 at 7 p.m. and March 5 at 3...

Film Review: “Marlow”

February 23, 2023

February 23, 2023

FILM REVIEW“MARLOWE”Rated R109 MinutesReleased February 15th “Marlowe” is a beautifully shot period piece that takes place in the late 1930’s....

Film Review: All Quite on the Western Front

February 22, 2023

February 22, 2023

I have never been a soldier at war, although I have close friends and relatives who have been. Universally they...

SMC Emeritus Concert Band to Hold Free Concert This Weekend at the Broad Stage

February 22, 2023

February 22, 2023

Concert February 26 will feature musical selections with an outdoor theme Santa Monica College’s Emeritus Concert Band, under the baton...