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Learn about this year’s high school production through an interview with the director, Mrs. Greer, and members of The Laramie Project.
A bit about the ‘Laramie Project’
The Laramie Project is a documentary-style play that focuses on the death of Matthew Sheppard, an openly gay college student who was killed in 1998 because of his sexual identity. The play takes place in Laramie, Wyoming, and explores themes revolving around tolerance, acceptance, community, and justice. This play is important as AISJ shifts towards better-achieving Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (JEDI).
Interviewees
Mrs. Greer- Drama teacher and director
Ashi- 9th grader (Actor)
Rougui- 10th grader (Actor)
Archi- 12th grader (stage manager)
Why the ‘Laramie Project’?
“We needed a show that was minimal set, had flexible casting, and could even be produced over Zoom if we had to do it that way due to COVID. [Additionally] we are working on JEDI (justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion) as a school. This is the first school community that I have been in where a play like The Laramie Project would be fully supported. Our community is ready to do this work and have this conversation”
-Mrs. Greer
What do you think is so special about this play?
“I think that this play is special because it’s something that the audience could relate to, it’s a true story about a real-world issue that still happens today. I think this play is different from the ones from the past because in this play we are educating people about homophobia and the real impacts it has on the world.”
-Ashi
“I think what makes this play so special is the style of storytelling it uses. The play is told in moments spread out, it’s also a true story and something that the writers experienced. I’ve never done a production with such a serious tone so I think that it will be interesting to see how it turns out.”
-Rougui
“I think it’s a special play because once you finish watching it, and fully understand it, you leave the theatre with so much fresh insight. I also think it gives courage to people who haven’t yet come out, and also to those who have to be more accepting of themselves.”
-Archi
How do you hope the audience reacts to this play?
“I hope that the play stays with them. I hope that it creates space to have difficult conversations about our personal thoughts, beliefs, and biases on issues of JEDI.”
-Mrs. Greer
“I hope that the audience can learn something from this play, and I hope the play makes them think deeper into what homophobia really is and where it comes from.”
-Ashi
“It will definitely shock many people because of the bluntness and honesty that is found in the script. I hope that they understand that the point of the play is not to shock people but so nobody forgets that this is something that has happened and that can happen”
-Rougui
“I hope that regardless of what their opinion on the LBTQ+ community was before watching the play, they leave with having experienced and learned something new. I also hope the emotional depth and the true emotions of the play and the community of Laramie really resonate with them and give them a fresher mindset on the world today and the LBTQ+ community.”
-Archi
The Laramie Project is over 20 years old, why is it still relevant today?
“It is still relevant today because we still see hate crimes on a regular basis all around the world. There has been some progress in the way of legislation but not enough to allow all people to live and love freely based on their identity.”
-Mrs. Greer
“The Laramie Project is still relevant today because what happened to Matthew Sheppard still happens today, homophobia is still a horrible issue today. People can still relate to this play today because hate crimes are still happening all over the world.”
-Ashi
“The Laramie Project is still relevant today because there are still people and places that believe we do not deserve these rights. Hate crimes still happen. They might seem less common but they still happen and it is vital that people do not forget this or brush this off. The play is relevant because it touches on something that is still an issue in the world that needs to be fully addressed.”
-Rougui
“I think it’s relevant today, because of what I mentioned before, it’s the ability to give the community courage to stand up. It is also relevant because of the dialogue that it prompts between all kinds of communities about; homosexuality, the morality of right and wrong, education, violence, and rights. These conversations prompt people to see the world or the LGBTQ+ in a new light, and I think that’s what makes the Laramie project still relevant and popular- because of its ability to make things happen and provoke thought.”
-Archi
After hearing from the cast of the play I hope you are excited to come see The ‘Laramie Project’ which will be showcased on the 11, 12, and 13th of November. Come support your friends, and learn more about the this true event which still has relevance today.
