Brendan Kennelly's Judas, a book of poems linked by the theme of betrayal, was rightly hailed as a remarkable achievement when it first appeared in 1991.
In it, Jesus and Judas encounter a complex of ghosts ranging from the Apostles to James Joyce, from Hitler to Brendan Behan. The poet's questing imagination and often inspired language give depth and humanity to his characters.
Theatre Unlimited, a company prominent in the early 1990s, has reunited its forces for its first production since 1993. The poems have been adapted by Polish director Maciek Reszcyznski, who will guide his own work on stage, and Adrian Dunbar will play the title role.
Other roles are played by Phelim Drew and David Collins. It opens tonight at Kilkenny's Watergate Theatre, as part of the Arts festival and runs until August 20th.