Saturday, October 10, 2009
'The Laramie Project: 10 Years Later'
Los Angeles Times: "Monday's new productions around the country of “The Laramie Project: 10 Years Later” revisit not only the first Tectonic production but also an ambitious experiment of the WPA’s Federal Theatre Project in the 1930s."
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12 comments:
This sounds like a fascinating project and a great way to revisit a classic play, as well as connect theaters from around the globe. I can't wait to hear about it afterwords, especially regarding the talkback with the performers and others at Lincoln Center. It is truly unfortunate that so much of the drama school has a call that night to strike GOW, or i think many of us, myself included, would attend this event. But if i can't attend, i will at least hear about it afterward.
From what I have heard about the first production, this second one should be very interesting and moving. For such a controversial subject, its so good to see that so many theaters are willing to take on the challenge and perform it. It can be rare that something of real importance is put on the stage, and even though there have been some instances, apparently, of protests and banning, it only shows that the play is worth producing. If everyone accepted it, something would be wrong.
I had never even heard of this play before I got to CMU but I'm now very proud that in a few days I get to not only see it, but work on it. As moving as the first one was I'm excited to see how much commotion this '10 years later' is stirring up. It's the ultimate awareness raiser and I'm excited to be a part of it.
What seems to be the most important aim of this sequel is that it readdresses all of the issues from 11 years ago and brings an awareness of the current events actually around us. Too often theatre is a mechanism for distancing audiences from realities whereas this "docu-theatre" model based on the FTP really aims to bring the personal connection back to its audiences. The fact that they have lined up so many theatres across the nation actually shows some national unity amongst theatres that could be explored a lot more.
I am so excited to see this production and I am honored that our school is putting it on. When our department takes part in big projects like this, it makes me really appreciate what a worldly and aware environment I am in. I feel such pride for my school when we can be a part of important national projects, and I find it inspiring and motivating.
I love that the point of this show wasn't just to tell the story, but to provide jobs for people across our country (and the world) as well. I really wish I were able to go to the show tonight! But, like a lot of people in my class, I've got crew tonight. I hope there will be some kind of recording of the show! Regardless, the power of this show being done in 150 theaters all across the world, on the same day, is daunting. So many people care about the story of Matthew Shephard, and want to tell the next installment in the story.
This project is something that the theater communty has the honor of undertaking. Throughout the centuries, theater has been entrusted with stories to tell that effect the world around us. From what I have heard about the first one, this one will surely be an interesting and important change and social meter to measure how things have changed in the past ten years. By undertaking this project, theater once again is used and utilized in a way that changes the very world in which it exists. Theater tells the stories of the world around it, but by doing so it changes it.
It bothers me how this can get banned and how people have been fired for doing it. I feel like people, mostly conservative parents, are becoming overly sensitive about what students study. Yes, common sense needs to be used, but things like this project are very important for educational and cultural reasons. They have banned books like Harry Potter. I think thats ridiculous. They are turning children and teenagers into over sensitive, sheltered wimps.
It's interesting that they've decided to revisit this well-known play and expand upon based on what's happened in the town in the ten years that have passed since the original incident and the ground breaking play. The fact that the play is being performed in various venues simultaneously only adds to the atmosphere of the play, and it's importance. Unfortunately, while I'd like to attend the performance at CMU tonight, I'll be looking forward to hearing about it from my peers
Though I've already said my two cents abput the importance of the content of the play, I must say something about the scope that this piece has. Crossing eight other countries and every state is not something that happens out of sheer luck or publicity; this is not a show that you just pick up because everyone else is doing it. I respect the theatres that are accepting what might befall them tonight (protests, etc) and continuing anyways. I respect the states and countries that are battling against common and cultural notions of homosexuality because they understand the importance of human rights and equality.
If only every show that had such impact would spread like wildfire as Laramie has done (even if its not for all the right reasons).
At my high school, I designed the scenery of the Laramie Project so I am familiar with the production. My main problem with the script is that aside from having a moving core story, I do not find it very deep or add any commentary on discriminatory violence. I am interested to see if the epilogue will add a new layer to Laramie that was previously missing.
I'm glad this production has so much local support. I hope that our turnout tonight is wonderful. This play shines a light on some important topics and allows the memory of Matthew Shepard to live on. The original "Laramie Project" strives to do this as well, but this new script provides some keen insight into the feelings that remain in that town. It's incredible that so many theatres are taking part in this event, what an amazing message we are sending!
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