A compelling take on a Wyoming tragedy
The motto of many of the residents of small Wyoming municipality Laramie has been “live and let live” for years, but when the torture and murder of 21-yearold gay college student Matthew Shepard occurs just outside of town, Laramie confronts the idea that not doing anything isn’t doing enough. Longfields-Davidson Heights Secondary School’s poignant production of The Laramie Project captured the outrage and the indifference.
The Laramie Project, by Moisés Kaufman and the Tectonic Theater Project, takes apart the true story of Matthew Shepard’s 1998 murder by Aaron McKinney and Russell Henderson in October of 1998. Every line of dialogue was taken directly from interviews with residents of Laramie, journal entries, and news reports, and the show portrays real people in documentary style. First produced at the Ricketson Theater in Denver, Colorado in 2000, The Laramie Project has since received much critical acclaim and a 2002 film adaptation.
The Laramie Project featured 22 actors who took on more than 60 characters, some impressively balancing and differentiating between as many as seven different personalities onstage. The Laramie Project’s cast demonstrated incredible conviction, emotion and purpose in this passionate production.
As Rulon Stacey, the CEO of the local hospital, Kieran Bingham was remarkably realistic and convincing as she delivered updates on Shepard’s condition. Madison Baines, as Romaine Patterson, a friend of Shepard’s, was sweet, steadfast, and comfortable onstage. Alec Verch played Jedadiah Schultz with a rawness that made his presence a notable one.
Kelsie Winsor as Reggie Fluty was devoted to her role and moved easily from extreme sadness to quiet comedy. Niki Galagedara was headstrong as Catherine Connelly. Huzaifa Mazhar’s performance as Dennis Shepard, Matthew’s father, was subdued but utterly affecting when discussing his son’s attitudes towards the death penalty. As Jonas Slonaker, Connor Prosty’s passion and projection was superb, and as Reverend Fred Phelps, Aaron Casey was terrifying. Ivan Ossa as Doc O’Connor added a touch of much-appreciated humour with his strong delivery of lines.
Claire McCracken’s superior special effects brought The Laramie Project to another level. Effectively edited videos featuring archival footage of Matthew Shepard, and with skilful silhouettes projected onto panels, the effects added a documentary-style air to the show. The lighting crew expertly executed every cue, and used harsh, sharp spotlights to heighten the emotion onstage. The scene transitions, managed by Claire McCracken, were silent and choreographed to optimize organization and esthetics. Despite a few mumbled lines, the cast and crew managed to create a tender, touching interpretation of true-life events.
Longfields-Davidson’s haunting The Laramie Project demonstrated that when a crime like this occurs, we all need to own it.