‘The Last Days of Judas Iscariot’ – The Larking House and The Wayward Artist

OC Theatre Guild
3 hours ago
4 min read

A courtroom in purgatory, a cast of saints and sinners, and a story that asks the big questions arrive in OC with urgency, humor and heart.

From left, Will Thomas as Judas and Majd Khdair as Jesus. Photo courtesy of Miguel Angel "Mack" Tapia II

By MaryAnn DiPietro

There’s something especially exciting happening in Orange County theater right now, the kind of collaboration that feels a little spontaneous, a little serendipitous and completely meant to be. “The Last Days of Judas Iscariot”, Stephen Adly Guirgis’ bold, funny and deeply moving play, is getting a fresh new staging inside Irvine United Congregational Church, bringing together The Larking House and The Wayward Artist for a production that feels both intimate and expansive.

“It is one of my favorite plays of all time,” Lizzy McCabe, founding artistic director of The Larking House says, “I am so grateful to be working on it today.” McCabe is directing the production while also designing its makeup, a dual role that reflects just how personally she connects to the material.

McCabe previously worked on a production of the show at Santa Ana College and has seen several other versions over time. “I have seen four different versions of it,” she said, “and each time, there’s something new that reveals itself.” It’s a script that continues to unfold; it is layered, surprising and strikingly human in its exploration of faith, guilt and forgiveness.

At the 2025 OCTG Awards, McCabe approached Craig Tyrl, artistic director of The Wayward Artist, with what she thought was a half-serious idea. “I asked him when he would be ready to collaborate… I was only half serious when I brought it up,” she said. “But Craig loved the idea and expressed a shared love of the script.” From that moment, the conversation grew into a full-fledged collaboration, ultimately finding its home in an unconventional but fitting venue.

From left, Zion Aguilar as El-Fayoumy and Magan Tran as Henrietta Iscariot. Photo courtesy of Miguel Angel "Mack" Tapia II

Set in a surreal corner of purgatory, “The Last Days of Judas Iscariot” unfolds as a courtroom dramedy in which Judas seeks release from eternal damnation after centuries of despair following his betrayal of Jesus of Nazareth. A sharp-tongued defense attorney argues his case, while an eclectic roster of witnesses is called to testify, each adding new layers to the story. The result is a play that is, as McCabe describes it, “by turns irreverent, hilarious and deeply moving,” blending humor with moments of emotional depth.

McCabe is taking a more grounded approach with her staging. “I think people typically take a very conceptual approach when working on this script,” she said. “We are taking a script-first approach, really diving into the play’s argument and bringing the language and text to the forefront.” It’s a choice that puts trust in the writing and in the actors bringing it to life. “Everyone is so crazy talented, and they all believe in this story and this show so heavily,” McCabe said. “There are going to be some really amazing and impactful performances that I think will make this a show to remember.”

“Because the show is in an unconventional space, I decided to lean into the elements that must remain static,” McCabe explained. “The set is inspired by familiar architectural motifs found in traditional Catholic churches, particularly those in New York City.” The result is an environment that feels both grounded and atmospheric, enhancing the play’s spiritual and philosophical themes.

Of course, working in a nontraditional venue comes with its own challenges. “Navigating the space has been the biggest challenge by far,” McCabe said. “It is not a traditional theater space, which always provides unique opportunities for creative problem-solving but also presents a lot

of challenges when working on a piece like this.” For a company like The Larking House, however, those challenges are part of the creative process.

Behind the scenes, a strong design team is helping bring the production to life. “Our design team is pulling out all the stops,” McCabe said, noting an original score and thoughtful costume design that complement the world of the play. The result is a production that feels cohesive, immersive and deeply considered from every angle.

At its core, “The Last Days of Judas Iscariot” is a play that refuses easy answers. It asks its audience to sit in discomfort, to question assumptions and to consider the possibility of grace in unexpected places. Whether you’re seeing the play for the first time or returning to it with fresh eyes, McCabe believes this production will resonate. “I think that the audience is going to be very impressed with our actors, and they are going to love the script,” she said. “It will be a fresh take for those who already love the play, and a very honest and true introduction for those who are experiencing it for the first time.”

As the trial unfolds in this unlikely courtroom, one thing becomes clear: The verdict may not be as important as the questions it leaves behind.