The Laramie Project by Moises Kaufman Summary and Reviews
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Book Reviews of The Laramie Project
Book Review: Laramie
Summary: 5 Stars
The book was in excellent condition and was delivered even earlier than expected.Wonderful and smooth purchase.Book Review: My humble, unscholarly opinion of a masterpiece.
Summary: 5 Stars
The most I remember about the murder of Matthew Shepherd was the cover of a TIME magazine with a picture of Matt and the fence on it, and wondering, "What does a fence have to do with this kid?" Like quite a few of the characters in this play, I didn't feel any connection to this person or the entire "incident" at first. But a few months ago, the director for my high school's drama club announced we would be doing "The Laramie Project" for a fall play, and my first reaction was (still) pretty blank as I struggled to remember where I had heard the word "Laramie" before. But, not being one to miss any play I can act in, I signed up to audition, got my parts (not knowing who any of the characters were) and finally got a complete script about two weeks later.The play is written with each "scene" comprising of several different conversations or monologues melded together to form a specific "moment" in time that joins with other moments to provide a picture of the events in question. (Confused yet? Sorry, but this was the best way for me to put the structure into words, but it will make a little more sense after reading the script.) Anyway, enough with the objective, on with the subjective. Moisés Kaufman and the other members of the Tectonic Theater Project have put together a modern masterpiece here. While sifting through the 200+ interviews they made over the two years they sent in Laramie, they never dulled the vibrant emotions of the residents of the city. (Some evidence of this is their refusal to water-down the "colorful metaphores" in the characters' speech [a job the administration of my school decided to take upon themselves to do {GRRRRRRR!}].) This has been one of the best plays I have ever seen (or acted in), not because of a good cast (although our cast WAS pretty cool) or some nice scenery, but because of the lines and characters themselves.
A note to any directors of school (or community) drama troupes: while homosexuality is a major topic in this play, the writers do a good job of staying true to the blessing of Father Roger Schmit when he tells them "to do [their] best to say it correct" and not put any kind of pro/anti-gay twist on the story to further any political/social cause except for anti-hate. THAT is the real focus of the story, not GAY PRIDE but a rejection of discrimination in any form it takes. Just mention this fact and any disquiet in your school/community over the play should settle down pretty quickly (at least it did in my school).
Thank you for reading (if you were patient enough to read this entire thing), BUY THIS BOOK, and I hope you enjoy it.
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.Book Review: Simply put, it's AMAZING!
Summary: 5 Stars
'The Laramie Project' is more than a play, it is a beautiful and astonishing work of art! If you are given the chance to see this play, THEN SEE IT! The HBOFilms version is good, but the story loses some of its grace and charm in the whirlwind of big name actors. I have been privelidged enough to perform in a production of 'The Laramie Project', and as a gay man, it gave me a lot to think about and a whole lot more to feel thankful for. If you are an actor, many of the monologues in this play are perfect for any audition. If this play could bring my stepfather to tears, who knows what it could do for you?Book Review: The Laramie Project
Summary: 5 Stars
Like a quilt, each little piece of play is woven together beautifully. Some pieces are juxtaposed next to contrasting pieces, but step back -- the entire piece is a sight to see, and touch, and feel.
What a sad, revealing, fearful, fearless, exasperating and lovely work of theatre.
This truly is an American quilt -- the ugly, the bittersweet, the glorious.
Absolutely recommended for anyone mature enough to deal with a tragedy of hate.