CSULB Theatre Arts Presents THE LAST DAYS OF JUDAS ISCARIOT, Now thru 3/8

The CSULB Theatre Arts Department University Players are proud to present The Last Days of Judas Iscariot, written by Stephen Adly Guirgis and directed by Olivia Trevino. Playing tonight, February 27th through March 8th, The Last Days of Judas Iscariot examines the ideas of good, evil, truth, and justice.

The events of The Last Days of Judas Iscariot revolve around the afterlife trial of the man whom many consider to be the ultimate betrayer. Judas's life and final acts are dissected in the courtroom, amidst a parade of witnesses that includes Mary Magdalene, Saint Monica, Mother Theresa, and Sigmund Freud. While the case at hand may be the redemption of one man, the implications extend to issues of morality, faith, society, and the human condition. Darkly comedic in moments, and tragic in others, The Last Days of Judas Iscariot will leave audiences questioning the nature of truth, justice, and forgiveness.

Director and CSULB Theatre Arts alumna Olivia Trevino returns after her successful turn directing Red Light Winter in the University Players' 2013-2014 season. Trevino guides a talented cast of both undergraduate and graduate students, and applauds the potential for moral ambiguity in the piece. Noted Trevino, "Throughout this text, the credibility of authority figures is challenged, the sins of saints are exposed, people who we might write off as 'bad guys' are humanized. Suddenly, our moral definitions aren't so tidy and neat."

Olivia Trevino is an alum of the CSULB theatre department where, in 2009, she was the first student to graduate with the then newly created directing performance major, in addition to the acting performance major. Today she is a freelance theatre artist and dancer with a passion for creating imaginative and physically activated performances. In addition to directing for the University Players and in small independent theatres, she also serves as an adjunct acting faculty member/guest director at Saddleback College, and teaches youth physical theatre workshops in various institutions ( i.e. Newport Harbor High, International City Theatre and the Long Beach Playhouse. )

The Last Days of Judas Iscariot opens Friday, February 27th, and closes on Sunday, March 8th. Performances are Tuesday through Saturday at 8 pm with Saturday matinees at 2 pm on February 28th and March 7th, and a Sunday matinee at 2pm on March 8th. This production is in the Studio Theatre on the CSULB Campus, accessible via West Campus Drive. Tickets are $15 for general admission and $12 for seniors and students (with valid ID). Parking is available next to the theater for $5. For tickets and information, call (562) 985-5526 or visit www.csulb.edu/depts/theatre.

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