The Laramie Project Spring 2003 University of Arkansas

Cast

Nadine Schmidt

CC Swiney

Edward Fairchild

Kate Gibson

Christy Booker

Lawrence Thompson

Clay Rogers

Though my personal feeling is that casting isn't my strong suit I have to say that I was so lucky to have been at the University of Arkansas at the same time as this particular group of actors.  They were not only talented, but willing and interested in trying new things and always aware of the strides they made as actors.  My goal with this show was to mount a production for my thesis project that would allow me to make a statement as both a director and as a gay man.  One of the young actors I worked with early on at Arkansas once said to me, " I can't imagine it a big deal to be gay."  I hoped to impress upon him and anyone else with this attitude that though their position was noble and correct, their were and are many who do not share it. These actors helped me understand Brecht, growth as a theater professional, and how to make theatre gracefully.  

An excerpt from the prospectus of my graduate thesis:

The disaffection of one member or one segment of society can have far reaching effects. Through the ages those who are different have at times been driven from among the society at large, left in the wilderness to fend for themselves, and even suffered torture and murder at the hands of those in a powerful position, a mindset which filters down through a culture over time.  It can become permissible in people’s minds to ostracize members of a culture simply because they’re different.  Though this may have been acceptable, even understandable in man’s early development, we would like to think that we’ve progressed beyond this type of base misconception.  Remaining vigilant against this reaction to fear is a duty that cannot be neglected. Hopefully, man progresses and learns, not only from his mistakes, but also from example. Those who understand the inherent injustice of this type of attitude must always do their utmost to teach those who need to learn.  This is the aim of this production of The Laramie Project.  

Homosexuals have long been a target for hate, and people who foster that hatred are not in short supply, even today.  The Reverend Fred Phelps of the Westboro Baptist Church in Topeka, Kansas, a featured character in The Laramie Project, is probably the most visible icon of hatred in the name of religion extant.  His internet website Godhatesfags.com is full of venomous treatises on the subject, and members of his family and congregation are often a visible presence at gay events throughout the United States, including their demonstrations at the funeral of Matthew Shepard.  This hatred, though it usually exists on a more covert level is an attitude that permeates our society.  Fred Phelps and his ilk are to be guarded against, but those that practice hate in more covert ways are the larger threat. 

  There is a school of thought that attributes this reaction to fear.  Homophobia, though a very real and dangerous societal condition is the thing to be wary of in directing this play. To present this material in a reactive manner would only serve to further the discrimination.  For those who are discriminated against to react with the same discriminatory attitudes simply perpetuates the problem. It could be called reverse discrimination, but whatever direction it moves, discrimination is what it is.   The real issue is the culture that allows people to live in a state of denial over their actions, and what message those actions send to the impressionable members of our society.   It is the hope of this writer that a cogent, and thoroughly investigated production of The Laramie Project can bring about this type of discussion, and self-examination, in an effort to accomplish the loftiest of theatrical goals, to educate.