The horrific reasons behind a hate crime and its community impact will be explored in the University of Toledo’s production of “The Laramie Project,” beginning November 20 at the UT Center for Performing Arts.
The play is a piece of “investigative theater” by Moises Kaufman and the members of the Tectonic Theater Project. The drama is based on the true story of 21-year-old Matthew Shepard, a gay college student whose 1998 murder in Laramie, Colorado drew national attention.
“The ensemble theatrical company Tectonic Theatre Project responded by traveling to Laramie to conduct interviews with the people of the town,” said Pete Cross, co-director of the UT production, “‘The Laramie Project’ was the result— a play derived from those interviews, journal entries, and other sources including news reports and court statements.”
Returning Home
The events in Laramie had particular significance for Cross and his husband and co-director, Mark Leasor. The pair had just started dating in 1998, around the time of the crime, and they both followed the coverage of the investigation closely. After years of living in Los Angeles, Cross and Leasor— both alums of the University of Toledo— moved back to the Glass City in 2015 and are excited by the opportunity to bring “The Laramie Project” to the UT stage.
“We met with the ensemble, most of whom had been selected prior to our involvement, and began rehearsals right away,” Cross said. “It is one of the most strongly connected ensembles we’ve worked with.”
“I had never heard of this show prior to being cast in it,” said Christina Pinciotti. “The first read through was difficult for me because I didn’t know what to expect. When I realized how brutal the crime was, I began to feel sick.”
Coming Together
Although it can be a challenge for directors to join a production after actors have already been chosen, Cross said that working with this cast has been an enjoyable experience. Cross also noted that the show’s rehearsal process has built a strong sense of trust and collaboration among the cast.
“We’re asking our actors and ourselves to take failure out of the equation, so that we all feel free to make choices, take chances, and build the piece together in a way that is uniquely ours,” Cross said.
In the end, Cross said he hoped seeing “The Laramie Project” would inspire viewers to think outside of themselves on the issues discussed. It is easy to become desensitized to tragedy and the experiences of others, Cross noted, but it is important to remember what happened to Matthew Shepard — and how it affected the people who knew and loved him.
“We hope audience members see themselves up on the stage and that that connection and empathy encourages them to be an active part of a larger dialogue,” Cross said. “It is through listening to the stories of others, and through telling our own, that we really begin to understand and value each other as human beings.”
“The Laramie Project” will run November 20-22 and December 4-6 at the UT Center of Performing Arts on the University of Toledo campus
For more information, contact the box office at 419-530-ARTS
