All are welcome to join us for this year’s fall play, “The Laramie Project,” in our Knight Fine Arts Center.
Friday, Nov. 3, | 8 p.m.
Saturday, Nov. 4 | 8 p.m.
Sunday, Nov. 5 | 2 p.m.
Admission is free with open seating. Please know that “The Laramie Project” contains mature language and sensitive subject matter that you may find inappropriate for young children.
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There are many stories that transcend the boundaries of the stage. Scenes and lines that don’t erupt in laughter and applause, but where instead the silence is loud. Where the hushed, thoughtful conversation continues long after audience members leave the auditorium, and continues at home, in our classrooms, among family and friends. “The Laramie Project,” performed only once before on our Knight Fine Arts Center stage, is one such production — one that leaves a mark on its performers and its viewers, and holds the power to kindle our empathy and ignite real change.
A docudrama by Moisés Kaufman and the Tectonic Theater Project, “The Laramie Project” delves into the aftermath of the brutal 1998 murder of Matthew Shepard, a gay college student in Laramie, Wyoming. The production knits together real-life interviews conducted with the townsfolk, as well as courtroom transcripts and news reports. On October 12 of this year, we surpassed 25 years since the unjust death of this young man.
“We first did this play in 2017,” shared Fine & Performing Arts Department faculty member and fall play Director Donalee Ong. “Normally this is a little too soon for me to repeat a play, but I felt like the timing was right. A lot has happened in those past 25 years and a lot has happened since 2017. I wanted to do something that is still relevant, and even after all of these years, this play still carries an important message.”
Director Ong was also drawn to the format of the play, which allows for a robust ensemble of different narratives and personalities — though it does provide a logistical challenge to work around 19 students’ schedules! See the full cast list here.
What this writer remembers from the 2017 production is how the cast handled this sensitive and painful subject matter with maturity and respect. After conversations with Director Ong, it is clear we can expect the same earnest and honest performances.
“[The cast] really bring dignity, poise and maturity,” she shared. “They want the story told. But I will say, they really had a tough time saying certain words in the play. They’ve been taught well. We discussed that the play is a verbatim play, these are the words that were actually spoken. We talked about Matthew and what he would have wanted, and agreed that Matthew would want us to tell the story as it happened to the best of our ability.”
But rehearsals are not all doom and gloom. There’s a rumor of a white cowboy hat that everyone is keen to try on backstage, and there is the fun of diving into the mosaic of voices and perspectives within this play — some of them colorful and intriguing.
“Some of the characters are real treasures and have their own quirks and funny moments,” said Director Ong. “Where possible we try to keep it light.”
As suggested by the playwrights, it is a minimalist set, composed only of some chairs, tables and blocks. The costumes are similarly subdued — a jacket here and there, a scarf and hat. Technical Theater Director Brandon Davies is making use of projections as well as beautiful lighting to set the scene and tone, creating another eye-catching production.
It’s uncanny how much can still be conveyed through minimalist sets and barebone costumes, how a small prop can set the stage or transport you to a new scene. But most valuably, it gives room for the performance and message to play a starring role. Productions like “The Laramie Project” serve as reminders of the impact the arts and storytelling can have on young minds and our broader community. Through this performance, we open up a platform for ongoing and new dialogues, and we propel our propensity to embrace tolerance and compassion.
We are looking forward to this year’s production of “The Laramie Project,” to applauding our cast and crew for their tremendous work, and to the important conversations that will undoubtedly follow. Break a leg, Pioneers.
