The Laramie Project and The Laramie Project: Ten Years Later

These are essentially the scripts for the productions, which consist of a series of monologues or interviews. The actors each portray of several of the characters and without much--if any--scenery or costumes, they need to assume each new character by demeanor, since there are times when the same actor will segue from one part to another, simply by moving across the stage, or turning around. My son was in a production recently that ran over two weekends. I read these works in between. Even though I'd seen both shows before, I found it enlightening to see the directions for how a characters was to be portrayed; the one sticking in my mind is in the second book, where the convicted killer is not supposed to be portrayed as dark or sinister; which makes it all the more disturbing to hear the matter of fact manner in which he offers the details of what he did..After reading these works, the following week's performances had a number of "aha" moments, but even without being a frequent flyer, these are illuminating and worthwhile reads. I enjoy being at a show that will later have a "talkback" with the director or various actors. It's a chance to get clarification about why something was said or done in a certain way. This gave me a similar feeling, and with the large number of people in the town who were interviewed, it kept track of a few of the names and relationships I had confused.The Laramie Project Ten Years Later is not produced as often as the original work. I've seen the original a number of times, but only saw the ten year project once, at a simulcast when it was released. I'd forgotten a number of the details, yet this is as important as the original work, because it not only shows what has happened in the decade since then, but it includes interviews with the two convicted of killing Matthew Shepard. These two were only portrayed in the original piece in the courtroom, or through an interrogation transcript. Here they are interviewed by members of the same group that started the project.In the years since this took place, alternate theories about the incident have been offered. They are mentioned in the second project, but addressing these theories is not their aim. The purpose of either project had never been to solve a crime; that had already been done. Their aim had been to observe and record reactions to the crime, and let those who see the show draw their own conclusions about what these reactions suggest. Every year, many productions of the show take place around the country. But every year, there are also groups that can't or won't, either because a school administrator vetoes the project, or or fear of audience reaction. Observing the unlikely subjects for shows that are produced--as musicals--with no censure, while the The Laramie Project is considered offensive and off limits is a good reason to read the stories, and decide for yourself.

Plot was bland...

We read this book in class. The store is a very interesting, but sad investigation.

This was as promised. The information within helped in preparation for performances of The Laramie Project. As actors, we tried to find out as much as possible about each person portrayed within The Laramie Project. Physically, the book arrived in a timely manner and in excellent condition. The play presented the largest variety of responses to hate, in various forms, toward various marginalized groups. It can and does happen here. Hate crimes have their "seed" in pejorative words. Its not just a matter of being politically correct. Its about human rights, feeling safe to walk down the street without fear of attack, physical or verbal.

Devastatingly moving portrayal of the people of Laramie, Wyoming’s initial reaction to the “hate crime” murder of Matthew Shepherd, and changes in the community 10 years later...as well as the process of writing the plays and creating the productions.Tragic revelation that 10 years later, many people remembered the murder as motivated by shiftless greed rather than homophobia, thus having ceased to perceive the killing as a hate crime.

Fantastic story and 10 year follow up. I had to read the Laramie Project for a book club but bought the 2 in 1 due to price. I ended up ready both before the book club which was useful for the discussion. The story is provoking and relevant.

I really enjoyed reading these plays - though the subject matter, of course, was so emotional and sad. I was really impressed by the theater company's efforts to listen to all sides of the story and present it objectively. I don't usually read plays but so glad I read this one. It was easy to follow, interesting, eye-opening, and moving. I look forward to seeing the plays in production one day.

There is no more serious subject than inhumanity in the human race, the subject of both plays. They differ in people's reaction to an occasion of inhumanity, depending on the proximity of the incident. Apart, they are both powerful commentary on the best and worst in people. Together, they suggest why bigotry is such a pernicious vice to eradicate and why humanity fails to learn from past mistakes.

Product as new. Delivered promptly.

Speedy delivery, brand new. A great read!

Eu realmente gostei de ler essa peça - embora o assunto fosse triste. Fiquei realmente impressionado com os esforços da companhia de teatro para ouvir todos os lados da história e apresentá-la objetivamente. Eu não costumo ler as peças, mas estou feliz por ter lido essa. Era fácil de seguir, interessante, abrir os olhos e se mexer. Estou ansioso para ver essa peça um dia.

Love it