The Laramie Project at SDSU

The San Diego State University School of Theatre, Television and Film will present its production of The Laramie Project, opening Friday at the Don Powell Theatre.

Written by Moisés Kaufman and members of the Tectonic Theater Project, the production explores the reaction to the 1998 murder of gay University of Wyoming student Matthew Shepard in the small town of Laramie, Wyoming. The murder was denounced as a hate crime and brought attention to the lack of hate crime legislation across the country.

"The play is about recognizing the seeds of violence and answering acts of hate with hope," said C.J. Keith, the play's director and undergraduate advisor for SDSU's School of Theatre, Television and Film.

With the exception of Keith's direction, the entire production is student-run. From costume, set and lighting design, to stage management and playing the 70-plus characters in the play, students are involved in every aspect of the production.

Setting the stage

"The production serves to explore the town's reaction to the tragedy rather than investigate it," said Shelley Orr, a lecturer in the theatre department.

In order for the small cast to represent the town's population, student actors play several different characters, some as many as nine. 

Using actual dialogue from the residents of Laramie, actors portray the town's residents during the media stakeout that followed Shepard's murder.

Orr said the production begs the question: Can theatre participate in an active discussion during and after times of tragedy?

Revisiting themes

SDSU's theatre department produced The Laramie Project in 2003.

Although civil rights for gay citizens have improved in the last decade, hate crimes directed at the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community are still an issue.

"We still need this play — as a society, we've come a long way since the tragic event, but we're not there yet," Keith said.

The play's theme is part of a larger conversation — one that includes topics ranging from gay marriage laws to bullying to sexual orientation and identity. 

Event details

The Laramie Project will run from Nov. 15-24 at the Don Powell Theatre. 

Nov. 15, 16, 21, 22 and 23 shows begin at 7:30 p.m. and Nov. 17 and 24 shows begin at 2 p.m. 

Tickets can be purchased on the School of Theatre, Television and Film's website or on the day of the show at the box office.