Arts Meets Activism
WCHS works to present The Laramie Project for their annual play.
“The Laramie Project.” RAGE, www.ragemonthly.com/2014/03/21/msf-responds-to-the-laramie-project-cancellation-at-troy-high-school/.
November 1, 2017
Occasionally, things just have to be said, but no one understands how to say it. People turn to visual art, music, and spoken words to express their minds, but the stories can be distorted, thus hurting the cause they were fighting for in the first place. The Laramie Project, written by Moisés Kaufman and Leigh Fondakowski, tells the story of a small town tragedy and the ensuing political, social, and emotional confusion experienced by not only Laramie, Wyoming, but the nation as a whole. The play is told through an array of interviews with the people involved in Matthew Shepard’s story. Every word and every line said by each character in the play was actually said by a person who experienced the event. This creates a chilling, meaningful story that has the ability to open the eyes of our community. WCHS students will stage The Laramie Project in December, giving young actors the opportunity to be a part of a play that is complete reality.
The Laramie Project focuses around the story and death of Matthew Shepard. In Laramie, Wyoming, on October 12, 1998, Matthew Shepard was murdered. He was taken by two other men, Aaron McKinney and Russel Henderson, beaten,tied to a fence, and left for dead. After he was found by a cyclist hours later, he was immediately taken to the hospital, and where he died a few days later. Various religious figures, such as Reverend Frank Phelps, expressed his negative views of homosexuality at the funeral and trials. On the contrary, other people dressed as angels in order to defend Shepard. The nation watched as the story unfolded and as it got very controversial. The Laramie Project tells this story from family, witness, and student interviews.
Auditions are taking place in the first full week of November after school, and the Theatre Department is looking for the perfect fit for these raw roles. The characters, including everyone from the parents of Matthew Shepard to his professors, vary in stage time but all have the same amount of passion and truth behind them. In terms of the why the story is so important, Chap Hollin (11) says, “I think Laramie Project does a good job of bringing people together in a community to fight for rights for every minority. GSA and the Fairness Coalition are coming together to help, and I just find that so heart warming and supportive.”
Although this story certainly brings a challenge to perform, being packed with monologues and intense scenes, the story needs to be told. Ken Tonks, director of the play is extremely excited to take it on, saying, “I want this play to be more than just a moment in time.” As the characters span over a large spectrum, there is truly a role for every actor, regardless of experience.
As a school, we are very excited to put on a play that has a real purpose and meaning. The Laramie Project hits the stage December 7th, 8th, and 9th, so even if auditions aren’t your forte, you can come support the cast in their efforts.
