A note from the director:
The events of this play took place almost two decades ago. In fact, a sequel to The Laramie Project is already being performed: The Laramie Project 10 Years Later. Matthew's death and the events surrounding it brought to light how the we think and feel about homosexuality, sexual politics, education, class, violence, privileges and rights, and the difference between tolerance and acceptance. While people may feel as though we have come to a time and a place where the kind of hate seen in this production does not exist, people in our community can tell you otherwise. Mankato is 800 miles away from Laramie, Wyoming, but this city is not far removed from hate and violence - as Zubaida says, "We are like this." The Laramie Project offers students a chance to discuss the issues surrounding the murder of Matthew Shepard. I have been honored to take part in rich conversations with my cast and crew and have witnessed these young men and women question, contemplate, and analyze complex ideas and values. I am grateful to them and to this show for giving me this opportunity. I would also like to express my gratitude for the East administration for their support of our theatre program, particulary with this show.
The 15 teenagers that you are about to see on stage have worked tremendously hard over the past two months to create a documentary drama. Not only have they worked on acting skills that can extend to any play, but they have also researched the many characters that they will portray. For these characters are actually not that - they are real people and these are the actual words that they spoke. The script offers raw material from those who witnessed the aftermath of Matthew's murder, and the actors will give you a raw performance without any curtains to hide behind. Costume changes are in view, scene changes are in the open, and the actors need to depend on themselves and on each other to create their performance. This show is not full of vivid costumes and intricate sets; rather, costumes and sets are suggested which means the actor is really the one doing the work. This is a courageous group of young men and women who are about to take the stage, and I'm proud of them for doing so.
There is hate and bigotry in this play, but there is also hope, acceptance, and love. I hope this performance encourages contemplation and conversation. Please enjoy the show.
- HH
