AMBER MATTICE
Staff Writer
There has always been a stigma around the call for activism because activism means acknowledging that something in society needs to be fixed. What not many people realize, however, is that activism can occur through any medium. The upcoming performances of “The Laramie Project” on Feb. 25, Feb. 27 and March 5 illustrate exactly this.
“The Laramie Project” follows the reactions to the murder of Matthew Shepard by residents of the town in Wyoming where the murder occurred. It also follows the reactions of members of the Tectonic Theater Project who interviewed the residents and who originally created and performed the play.
Not only this, but the play is meant to convey his story. Matthew Shepard’s legacy, which his mother, Judy Shepard, continues to carry, is tragic but inspiring, as his story serves as a wake-up call to the violence and ignorance that surrounds social issues such as homophobia and discrimination.
Much has gone into this production here on campus because activism is not just stating the need for change, it is calling attention to why that change must be made. As our own students take on these emotional roles and create a set worthy of such a story, they also have to keep in mind the message that they want to get across once the play is over. That message is one of peace, acceptance, and activism through artistic voice.
Because the issues that are being addressed in the play are still so prevalent in today’s society, the cast members have to prepare to display such heart-wrenching and emotional scenes.
“For the super emotional scenes, it gets a lot more personal,” said junior BFA musical theatre major Micayla Greco. “I’m playing Matthew’s mother, Judy, and that’s difficult because I’ve never gone through anything like what she’s gone through. I would say the cast connection is what helps us get through such an emotional show.”
The set itself also adds a lot to the performance. According to junior theatre arts and video production major Sarah Standinger, the production stage manager for “The Laramie Project” and “The Laramie Project: Ten Years Later,” the audience will be placed on all four sides of the platform that the play will be taking place on. Also, above the doors in the theater there will be signs on display that show the important places in the play, such as the bar he was last seen in and the hospital in which he was cared for.
“I still get emotional sometimes watching the run-throughs, and I’ve seen both plays at least twenty times. I think that people who see the production will be inspired and moved by what we’ve created,” said Standinger.
The transition between the two performances is crucial as “The Laramie Project” focuses more on the Matthew Shepard case and his story as it happens. It shows people’s initial reactions to the brutality and the hate that arose in such a small town. It follows the protests that occurred at his funeral and the unwillingness people had when asked to talk about the hate crime.
“‘The Laramie Project’ is about Matt [and his story],” said Greco, and ‘Ten Years Later’ is about the progression of hate crime activism. This is certainly true. Though both touch on similar topics and aim to promote acceptance, tolerance, hope and compassion for others, the tones do vary.
This is a play that should certainly be seen by everyone. The emotional performance and complimentary set design will be sure to stun and inspire. The performance will be moving, not only content-wise, but because the actors and actresses in it have poured so much of themselves into their roles.
“The Laramie Project” is meant to send a message and there is no doubt that this performance will do exactly that.