Though it may be easy to turn a blind eye on social injustices, Yulman Theater’s newest production, The Laramie Project, challenges audiences to take a closer look at the effects of prejudice and unjust treatment toward the LGBTQ+ community.
Written by New York playwright Moisés Kaufman and members of his Tectonic Theater Project, The Laramie Project will be performed Feb. 2-4 at 7:30 p.m. in Yulman Theater Studio A. There is also a matinee Sunday, Feb. 5, at 2 p.m.
Through its short scenes and numerous characters, The Laramie Project illustrates a public’s reaction to the 1998 murder of Matthew Shepard, a University of Wyoming gay student who lived in Laramie, Wyoming. His murder subsequently influenced and highlighted how hate crime laws were significantly disregarded in many states.
The play’s various elements – from its realistic dialogue, well-constructed characters and intense plot line – shed light on the unjust acts of gender discrimination and violence that an entire town must come to terms with after the murder. The play encourages its audience to consider modern-day social injustices while allowing its audience to recognize the emotional depth within an average-looking town.
“This play has taught us that we still have a lot of fighting to do,” says Stage Manager Shauntai Quinlon ’17. “We need to be the ones who show the campus community that bigotry is still alive and well all over the country, but, we must fight against it, especially in light of recent political events and transfers of power.”
Student performers are James Basuk ’17, Victoria Carter ’19, Lauren Daugherty ’19, Michael Doherty ’18, Angel Flores ’20, Abigail-Mary Lehner ’18, Matthew Mintz ’18, Alyssa Silbey ’20 and Emma Youmans ’20.
Tickets are $7 for alumni, seniors and those with a Union ID and $10 for general admission. They may be purchased during Yulman Theater Box Office hours Monday through Friday 12:30-1:30 p.m., or call (518) 388-6545 to reserve a ticket.
The Department of Theater and Dance advises that the content of this performance may not be suitable for children.