Note from the Director:
The Laramie Project is a play, not about the death of a single person, but about the lives of so many others that followed! This beautiful piece about the human experience and, ultimately, compassion, takes the audience through a maelstrom of emotions, opening our hearts and our minds to see the beauty in each of us.
Dr. Jill Taft Kaufman of Central Michican University first introduced me to this story where I was fortunate enough to join the crew working on a production of this play. This production marked the fifth anniversary of Matthew's passing and moved the company and our audiences to tears. I remember opening night, the candlelight vigilz, and meeting new friends that would change my life forever. Twenty-one years later, I am honored to be sharing this story with my students and the community of St. Charles High School. It is my goal to open a new generations eyes and hearts to the greater world beyond these walls and to show students what we can achieve, even in the face of great tragedy and loss.
To my cast and crew, I want you to know how proud I am of the journey we have taken together. You maturity, composure and, most of all, compassion is truly insurmountable and I know that Matthew, his friends and his family would be proud of what you have created. I hope that you take this journey and hold it close to your hearts for years to come. But promise me that you will not wait another twenty-one years to share this story with others.
To the audience, theatre is one of the most soul-bearing artforms. What you are witnessing tonight is a full exposure of our hearts and compassion for our fellow persons, with whom we love and only wish the best. We perform not as a service to ourselves but as an homage to the human experience. Thank you for allowing us to share this intimate moment with you.
To anyone that needs to hear this: You are seen. You matter. You are loved. AND you are a part of our family. If ever there is a time where you feel like anything less, please remember that you will always be welcome with us, as a part of the Theatre Family at St. Charles. All are welcome within these walls.
Tonight we invite you to open your hearts and allow yourself to take this journey to Laramie, Wyoming with the cast and crew of The Laramie Project and to join us as one of Matthew's angels. Tonight we stand together to #EraseHate!
- Timothy LaBelle
