WEST LIBERTY, W.Va., Nov. 7, 2014 — West Liberty University is opening its 2014 – 2015 theatre season with a play that reexamines the plight and fate of the New Testament’s most infamous and unexplained sinner, Judas Iscariot. The production opens at 7:30 p.m., Thursday, Nov. 13 in Kelly Theatre.

Judas, played by Jed Shook of Wheeling, is shown with Alex Franke, Wheeling, as Caiaphas (left) and Maggie Dillon, Elwood City, Pa. as Satan.

Asking the question, “What happens at the clash of God’s perfect love and God’s rightful justice?” Mercy? Forgiveness? Or eternal damnation,” playwright Stephen Adly-Guirgis wonders what Judas’ trial in purgatory would be like if told by a comedian in his dramatic comedy.

“The Last Days of Judas Iscariot” will be directed by Jake Trifonoff, a senior communications major from Steubenville, Ohio.

“This season started off rough with a last minute change in the opening production but it’s working out,” Trifonoff said.

“With the change in the season we had to shift gears, making the process of developing this show improvisational, collaborative and exciting. Now as a student director, I could not be happier. Directing is a huge responsibility and it is an honor, that Professor Aulick trusted me enough to put the show in my hands. There are times when we do not see eye to eye on things yet he lets me make the final decision. This is validating for a young director.”

“Judas is a fantastic role for an actor. I play Judas as a 6-year-old boy, a drunk 25-year old, and a despondent, desperate sinner. The range is crazy and has challenged me to really stretch as a performer,”  said Jed Shook, who is playing the title character.

“This season began with some challenges as we worked to finish our remodel and were met with some unexpected changes. But we are proud of our students and the real creativity that’s shown in working together to make theatre happen every season here on the Hilltop. The West Liberty University Theatre Program is committed to providing a variety of opportunities for students in performance, believing that a well-rounded artist is more prepared to enter the world of professional theatre or graduate studies,” said Director of Theatre Michael Aulick.

The cast also includes: Alexandria Glotfelty, Brady Dunn, John Hennen, Maggie Dillon, Destiny Walsh, Jeremy Propst, Alex Franke, Michael Morris, Doug Gouldsberry, Chad Arthur, Geena Diomedi, Sara Reed, Zoe Poindexter, Brent Kimball. Voice coach for the production is Adjunct Faculty Member Maggie Balsley and set designer is Assistant Professor of Theater Meta Lasch.

Curtain is at 7:30 p.m., Nov. 13, 14, 15, 20, 21 and 22 and 3 p.m., Sundays, Nov.16 and 23. Due to language and adult subject matter, this show is not suitable for all audiences.

To purchase tickets online (at a discount) visit wlujudas.brownpapertickets.com or call the WLU Ticket Office at 304.336.8277 to make a reservation.

Other plays and performance dates for the 2014-2015 Hilltop Players season include:

• Under Milkwood, by Dylan Thomas, Feb. 12-13 and 19-22
• The Diary of Anne Frank, by Frances Goodrich and Albert Hackett, newly adapted by Wendy Kesselman, April 16-19 and 23-26

West Liberty University is a forward-looking, four-year public university steeped in a rich heritage as West Virginia’s oldest institution of higher education. Led by President Robin C. Capehart, WLU is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. For more information on WLU, please call 1.866.WESTLIB.

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