"The Last Days of Judas Iscariot" is a new take on an old story, according to Matt Gore, the director of the latest Gilbert Theater production.

"'The Last Days of Judas Iscariot' is a reconfiguration of a lot of New Testament dogma in a way that is new and fresh," said Matt Gore, who also plays the character Satan in the play. "It is a reconsideration of the entire case of Judas Iscariot."

Matt Gore added that Judas is in the lowest circle of hell, the ninth circle, and he has been there for a long time. In purgatory, they are retrying his soul to see if he deserves to stay there for eternity or if he deserves forgiveness.

The author of "The Last Days of Judas Iscariot" is Pulitzer-prize-winning playwright Stephen Adly Guirgis.

"It is basically a courtroom drama, but it deals with metaphysical religious questions of free will, forgiveness, culpability and are we responsible for our own actions," said Lawrence Carlisle, artistic director at the Gilbert Theater and he plays the characters Judge Littlefield and Caiaphas, the Elder in the production.

"I found the play to be incredibly well written, and I thought it was an interesting way to do it as in a courtroom."

He feels the play's content appeals to everyone, not just those who are religious.

"I am not a particularly religious person, but I thought that a lot of the questions it asks and the ideas it puts forth are kind of universal," said Carlisle. "It does not matter what religion you are, and if you are no religion, these are all questions and things that concern the human experience."

The play features several interesting and prominent characters.

"I read the script a little over a year ago, and everybody wants to be Satan when they read the script, but I wanted to be Judas," said Justin Gore, who is the character Judas in the play.

"I think Judas is one of the most interesting characters from a lot of different perspectives, but mostly Judas calls into question the entire premise of what God is capable of because if everything is pre-ordained, is Judas wrong for what he did or did he actually have free will and he deserves his punishment?"
Justin Gore added, "I did not do that much preparation for the role besides watch a couple of different movies, read the script and talk to the director."

"There are lawyers from hell trying this case, and the judge is from purgatory," said Carlisle. "We call witnesses that include Mother Theresa, Sigmund Freud and Satan himself."

"This is a very interesting and challenging play to direct because it really requires you to think outside of the box, and it requires you to tackle various things that are not altogether easy to tackle," said Matt Gore.

"From a religious standpoint, it does ask questions that are difficult, but at the same time, I think a lot of people who are religious and a lot of people that might not be anymore, still have those questions and this play asks them and those things are important to me."

He added, "The message is don't be afraid to ask the hard questions and if you don't find an answer, keep searching until you do."

Carlisle hopes that people will broaden their horizons and leave behind preconceptions.

"I would love it if people would leave their emotions at the door and really just take the play for what it is," said Carlisle. "I want people to think because the main purpose of art is to make you think and feel something."

The play will run from Jan. 28 to Feb. 13. and is rated R as it contains a fair amount of adult language and themes and is for audiences 18 years and older.

Tickets cost $18, but there is a discount for students, the military and groups. Tickets can be purchased at www.gilberttheater.com. For more information, call 910- 678-7186.