Judas (1955)

First performance at the Théâtre de Paris (October 6, 1955).

Original edition. Monte Carlo, Pastorelly, 1955.

Preface

The character of Judas is that of the traitor in the divine tragedy of Revelation, whose final act is the Passion. For centuries he has been considered the greatest criminal of all time. In reality, what do we know about him?

The Gospels say almost nothing about him until the supper in Bethany. What seems certain is that he was young, that he was handsome, that he had a family, and that his father’s name was Simon. It is also believed that he was a potter. It was Jesus himself who chose him to be one of the twelve apostles, and who entrusted him with the community’s purse: that is to say, Judas was the steward of the little band of vagabonds, and the first servant of the Messiah.

Spiritually, he received the same powers as his brothers. He taught the crowds, gave baptism, cast out demons, healed the sick, and followed the Master in his wandering preaching, in cities, villages, through mountains and deserts.

However, it is a historical fact that he led the soldiers to the camp of his Master, that he denounced him with a kiss, and that he received, for the price of his services, thirty denarii. Then, after the success of his betrayal, he threw away the blood money and went to hang himself. From the police point of view, specialists (including an examining magistrate) have told me:

“This is a case that doesn’t make sense, and there has to be something else.”