Ten actors from the Ohio University School of Theater play the parts of 70 different characters in The Laramie Project
which runs Wednesday through Saturday throughout October in the Elizabeth Evans Baker Theatre in Kantner Hall.
The play was written by Moisés Kaufman and the members of the Tectonic Theatre Project. The group wrote the play after conducting 200 interviews with the residents of Laramie, Wyo., the college town where Matthew Shepard was murdered in an anti-gay hate crime in 1998.
The characters of the play are based entirely on the interviews. The actors wore base costumes, such as plain shirts with jeans and used accessories such as scarves, hats, aprons and sports coats to differentiate between characters.
When you are playing that many characters and doing this kind of thing the reality of it doesn't come from what the actors look like -it's what they're portraying and what they're saying
and the message itself
cast member Ashley Goehring said.
The actors' mannerisms completely changed between their many characters.
The director of the play, Shelley Delaney, said the play illustrates that good can emerge from evil.
I think that you should walk out instilled with a sense of hope about the height to which humanity can go without losing sight of the depth to which we can sink
she said.
Spirited characters and comedic relief lightened the mood in the theater during the play. The heavier moments were filled with emotion evident in the tears that were welled in the actors' eyes.
The music that accompanied parts of the play and the dramatic use of light were effective in enhancing the mood of the scenes, such as the announcement that after five days in the hospital, Shepard died.
The overall theme of the play can be described as the story of Laramie dealing with the murder of Matthew Shepard and learning how to move on. It was not until both of the accused murderers were sentenced that the healing could really begin.
Regular admission for the production is $12, $10 for students and seniors. For ticket information and reservations, call 593-4800 or go to the Fine Arts Ticket office from noon to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday in Kantner Hall 103.
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Amanda Leff
