Chapel Hill High School’s drama department put on The Last Days of Judas Iscariot for its fall production November 16 and 17 in Hanes Theatre. The play, which contains some explicit language and mature themes, was produced by drama teacher Thomas Drago and directed by his son, senior Rico Drago.
The off-Broadway play was written by Stephen Adly Guirgis and originally directed by Philip Seymour Hoffman. It is a courtroom drama that puts the apostle Judas on trial for the crucifixion of Jesus.
This production offers a new, modern perspective on biblical stories, but it stays true to its religious roots by serving as an analysis on whether Judas was following God’s plan or if he was the worst traitor of all time.
However, the story delves a little deeper into human suffering and discusses mental illness. “It is a very philosophically interesting play,” senior Sayali Gove, who played Judas, said.
Gove appreciates that the play has less action and more emotional intrigue.
Junior Jason Glover played both Sigmund Freud and St. Thomas and was moved by the morals and influence of his characters. “The play doesn’t set out to answer any questions. It sets out to bring them to the forefront of one’s consciousness,” Glover said.
While the play did dig deep into human nature, it also incorporated plenty of comedy and tragedy. Student director Rico Drago believed it struck a balance between drama and debate. “It brings up good ideas and concepts. I think it’s good to think about,” Rico said. “The purpose of art is to conjure thought and dialogue.”
The Last Days of Judas Iscariot was the first production that Rico Drago had self-directed, culminating his 13-year long career in the drama programs of Chapel Hill public schools. Rico Drago also plays Butch Honeywell, the foreman of the jury.
Drama teacher Thomas Drago made sure to emphasize, however, that the play was entirely student led. Thomas Drago said that they wanted to pick a play that would be challenging for the students and more serious than those of previous years.
After seeing the play, interim principal Steve Scroggs said he was “simply blown away. Every performer was spot on and the play was edgy and intense, and that’s an understatement,” Scroggs said, applauding the final scene in which Jesus washed Judas’s feet.
