Betrayal, Satan, a dash of slapstick humor, and a mixed media stage arrangement mark the opening performance of Ghost Light Theatricals' rendition of The Last Days of Judas Iscariot at the Ballard Underground.

Directed by Rob Raas-Bergquist, the play depicts a skewed reality in a courtroom drama that balances divine mercy and human free will, arranged to determine the fate of Judas Iscariot after his betrayal from Christ.

Written by Stephen Adly Guirgis, the play was originally produced by the LAByrinth Theater Company, staged off-Broadway at The Public Theater in New York, and directed by Phillip Seymour Hoffman.

The Last Days of Judas Iscariot features many of the Bible’s most known characters, such as Satan, Mary Magdalene, Pontius Pilate, Jesus Christ, and of course, Judas. Historical figures like Mother Teresa and Sigmund Freud make courtroom appearances as well.

“ It’s a wonderful script and I was really drawn to the nature of forgiveness and human free will and taking characters that everybody recognizes and kind of bending and twisting them to examine a larger truth,” said Raas-Bergquist.

Raas-Bergquist’s said the play is not your typical courtroom proceeding.

“There are a lot of funny parts and some slap stick stuff with the judge and bailiff and some sexual tension between the attorneys," he said.

Justin Ison, who plays Judge Littlefield, Saint Matthew, and Caiaphas the Elder, said, “ I think it’s a terrifically written play. It’s a lot of fun and an interesting interpretation of the story of the crucifixion. I like it because it raises more questions than it does answers.”

Ison is hopeful the performance will be a “break out show.”

"We have an amazing cast and Rob is a terrific director,” he said.

Aside from the director and cast, something unique about the Ghost Light Theatrical rendition is the use of traverse (tennis court) seating compared to proscenium seating and the use of film in the performance.

“It gives you an opportunity to look at the other audience members, and since there’s a jury and judge on stage, it’s interesting to be able to gauge other peoples reactions in relation to yours. We also wanted to be able to do film as part of the performance and this stage set up allows for two screens to be viewed. The results are pretty exciting,” said Raas-Bergquist.

Raas-Berquist hopes the show leaves the audience, “Perturbed. I want them to cry too, especially after the strong closing monologue.”

The Last Days of Judas Iscariot opens April 6th at 7:30pm and runs until April 22dn at the Ballard Underground, 2220 NW Market St.

Tickets are $15 general, $12 student/senior/tps and are available at Brown Paper Tickets.