Salve Regina Theater Performs “The Laramie Project”

By: Timothy Hanrahan
Posted In: News

Tragedies are never pleasant to relive. The story of Matthew Shepard, an openly gay Wyoming man who in 1998 was brutally murdered because of his sexual orientation, is no different. When the dust finally settled, Shepard became a global symbol of unity and solidarity for people of all races, religions and sexual preferences. Sadly, in order to achieve this noble task, Shepard unwillingly needed to give his life. Running from Nov. 19 through Nov. 23 at the Megley Theater at Salve Regina University in Newport, R.I., director Steven Pennell plunges the audience into a world of bigotry, hate and healing in his rendition of Moises Kaufman’s “The Laramie Project.”

This tragedy not only plays on the emotions of the audience, but also causes them to re-examine their own beliefs about humanity. Set in the aftermath of Shepard’s murder, “The Laramie Project” takes place in the rural town of Laramie, Wyoming. Unlike other theater productions “The Laramie Project” is presented in a mock documentary style with Kaufman’s dialog coming right from the mouths of the residents themselves.

Throughout the production, the audience experiences the raw humanity of the townspeople and is forced to feel an overwhelming sense of empathy for the victim. Kaufman and his Tectonic Theater Group, all openly gay themselves, courageously venture into what they perceived to be hostile enemy territory in search for answers. When Kaufman and company arrive in Laramie, they find that their world of New York City is a complete polar opposite. During their time in Laramie, the group experiences a myriad of opinions concerning the murder.

The actors and actresses of Salve Regina University delivered a stunning and believable performance as they brought the townspeople of Laramie to life. Every actor and actress in this production played several different characters. Beautifully, the Wyoming accents were presented on stage with accuracy. The whole show was not all sadness and grief, as there were a few moments of laughter from the audience. Like when the bartender, Matt Galloway (Charlie Duncan), delivered his monologue about the absurdity of gay bashing in Wyoming. Galloway says, “When there are eight males and one female in a bar, which in Wyoming is often the case, it doesn’t take a brain surgeon to figure this out, I mean, come on, who’s getting what?” Another snickering scene was when one of Shepard’s murders, Aaron McKinney (Owen Murphy), marched on stage wearing an orange jumpsuit with a snide “whatever” look on his face.

Much can be said about the impact Shepard’s murder has had on the gay community; however, the problem of homophobia still remains here in America and “The Laramie Project” viciously combats this social disease. Moreover, “The Laramie Project” not only attacks homophobia, but also hatred in general. By the time the lights go down and the production is over, the theater is filled with an aura of love and compassion for all humanity.