A courtroom drama like no other

On behalf of Dramatists Play Service, Inc New York.
A courtroom drama like no other, with saints, sinners and one of the greatest betrayals in history...

Between Heaven and Hell, the court in Hope, downtown Purgatory, has one of its most infamous defendants up on appeal, Judas Iscariot - the disciple who betrayed Jesus. With a cast of characters including saints, sinners, a high priest, a Roman governor, Mother Teresa and the father of modern psychoanalysis – Sigmund Freud, this October Toi Whakaari’s second year acting students take to the stage in a fully realised production of Stephen Adly Guirgis’ gritty, funny and frank exploration of divine love, human free will and the very nature of sin and salvation.

The original version, produced by the LAByrinth Theater Company at the Public Theater in New York in 2005, was set in a Purgatory reminiscent of New York’s Bronx. This version, however, while keeping an American look and feel has been adapted and updated to give the play some more relevant and contemporary New Zealand references.

The show’s director Brett Adam said: “The Last Days of Judas Iscariot is more than a play about religion or biblical history. Stephen Aldy Guirgis takes one of the most reviled men in history and asks us to reconsider not only his story but also our own prejudices. He makes us think about the nature of despair, responsibility, faith and love within a recognisable and contemporary setting that is in turns riotously funny and deeply moving.”

Along with the second year acting students, this production incorporates work by students from all disciplines across the school. Holly MacPherson, one of our third year Bachelor of Design students, and her team are behind the look and feel of the set, which includes a great central tower of scaffolding and large sheets of plastic hanging from the walls, this allows the action to take place on four levels as well as putting the audience right into the heart of the courtroom, some even mixed in with the jury.

“One of the most exciting things about designing for a fully-realised production is that you get to see your vision take shape from the very first initial concepts to a full, finished production. You also get the chance to really collaborate with students from other areas: actors, technicians, sound & lighting engineers, costumiers... it’s an exciting preparation for life beyond the school when you are out and working in the industry.” Holly MacPherson.

The costumes designed by Holly also act to give the play a contemporary setting and were created by our first year costume design students, supervised and guided by two of our second year students, Louisa Marie Paterson and Jessica Thomas.

Please note: This play contains strong language and themes

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