Crime,Drama
United States of America
"The Laramie Project" is a documentary-style play that explores the social and cultural implications of Matthew Shepard's murder, a young gay man who was brutally beaten and left to die tied to a fence post by two assailants in October 1998. The play uses a variety of voices to tell the story of what happened in the town of Laramie, Wyoming, in the weeks and months after the attack.
The play features over 60 characters, all played by eight actors, who deliver verbatim quotes from interviews conducted with Laramie residents, news reports, court transcripts, and other sources. The play is divided into three acts, and each act focuses on a different stage of the aftermath of Matthew Shepard's murder: the immediate reaction to the crime, the trial of the two assailants, and the long-term effects on the community of Laramie.
Through the compelling stories of the Laramie residents, the play explores issues such as hate crimes, homophobia, the media's portrayal of the crime, and the difficulties of navigating complicated emotions in the wake of tragedy. "The Laramie Project" is a poignant and thought-provoking work that shines a light on the complex social issues surrounding Matthew Shepard's murder and challenges audiences to examine their own prejudices and beliefs.
