The Laramie Project by Moises Kaufman
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Book Reviews of The Laramie Project
Book Review: A masterwork
Summary: 5 Stars
This play defies words. You probably already know this, but this play is structured as a "docudrama," somewhere between a documentary and a plot/character driven play. Laramie weaves together threads of national strife, the eternal fight against hatred and a plethora of deep, powerful characters. One of my favorite moments in this play comes when a middle aged gay man sits in his apartment and describes the rapidly growing group of people marching in a parade honoring Matthew in his last days, how eventually more people are marching for Matthew than for the parade itself. This play is a triumph of the human spirit that has arisen from a truly dark moment in recent American history. The recent HBO movie is a well-done rendition, although, having seen three different productions and been involved in one, I must say that the play is a bit more moving. Read it, and for the sake of the late Matthew Shepard, if you get the chance, SEE IT.Book Review: For a parent, almost unwatchable
Summary: 5 Stars
I am the 61-year-old father of a 24-year-old son who appeared in The Laramie Project two years ago, when he was a college senior. I sat in the front row of the theater in the round in which the play was produced. The play did not "get to me"--it dragged me into the worst What If a parent can have: what if my son were gay (he's not), what if he were murdered--how would I react, what would I feel?
The question was answered via the actor who played Dennis Sheperd. When he delivered his monologue to the Aaron McKinney character, and referred to Matt Sheperd as his firstborn son and his hero, I absolutely lost it. Hatred, a desire for vengeance, but a recognition that this was the start of a time to heal. A message like this can go out of style...never. For any parent, The Laramie Project is terribly difficult to witness. But witness it you must.
Book Review: Worhty Read prior to the DVD
Summary: 5 Stars
I bought this to read prior to watching the DVD of the Laramie Project, to compare, and was glad I did. It carry's as much if not more of the drama and weightiness of the subject matter, the killing of Matthew Shepard in 1998.
An easy and quick read, it helped me identify the characters later on the DVD, and though in stage format, doesn;t read like a novel. I finsihed it in one afternoon, and if this horrific incident still concerns you, this is a good way to understand how it affected so many in a sparsly populated "city" in a huge mostly unpopulated state.
Hate knows no boundaries, but how it affected Laramie, is well done with an unusual idea. It took great courage to do this project, and shouold be more widely read, if not required reading, for schools.
Book Review: From an actress who performed this play
Summary: 5 Stars
I'm a high school actress who had the extraordinary privilege of acting in this amazing play, and I have to say that just reading The Laramie Project doesn't do it justice--you really have to see it performed. That said, if you're looking for a moving, uplifting play to direct/act in, THIS IS IT. Yes, it has its sad moments, but it's also funny and truly beautiful, and teaches everyone who comes into contact with it an important lesson about love and compassion. The Laramie Project is one of the most significant pieces of literature I have come across, and I urge everyone to read it or, if possible, to see it. (Thank you to my fantastic director and my fellow Yorkie actors (you guys know who you are) for a fantastic experience.)Book Review: Powerful piece of work
Summary: 5 Stars
I give this story five stars because it is a powerful piece of work that taught me a lot of things about how American society deals with homosexuality. I've never been to Wyoming but this story helps to give some insight on how things were in that state when this horrible tragedy happened. I hope more people get a chance to read this book as it is evident, based on the speeches by some members of this government, that homophobia is still present in this society. That kind of institutionalized homophobia was seen in its worst form when Matthew Shepard was viciously attacked and killed because he was gay. This book certainly is an eye-opener and for that it deserves the best praise. Kudos to Moises Kaufman.