meanmangos's review
5.0
This book is hearbreaking and insightful. It is my probably my favorite book. I have reread it numerous times and every time I love it even more.
It is a great view into the prejudice and homophobia in this country and is still relevant today.
It is a great view into the prejudice and homophobia in this country and is still relevant today.
coltonchase_'s review
5.0
I’m floored every time I read this. My heart aches for Matthew and for the Shepard family.
This is both theatrical playwriting and journalism simultaneously. A critical analysis of middle America in the face of tragedy.
This is both theatrical playwriting and journalism simultaneously. A critical analysis of middle America in the face of tragedy.
rachelemm's review
4.0
Works like The Laramie Project are so important, they remind us of how dangerous it is not to acknowledge our own prejudices and biases.
The focus of this play is the murder of a gay young man in a small community which is initially dismissed as a robbery/kidnapping that went too far and not as the hate crime it was. Moises Kaufman and his team interview people living in the community and ask questions that force them to confront what may have been the real motivation behind the crime and the toxic atmosphere that would allow homophobia to go unchallenged and even be encouraged.
I am now interested in seeing a recording of the play as I imagine it would be even more powerful in that format than it was reading it on the page.
The focus of this play is the murder of a gay young man in a small community which is initially dismissed as a robbery/kidnapping that went too far and not as the hate crime it was. Moises Kaufman and his team interview people living in the community and ask questions that force them to confront what may have been the real motivation behind the crime and the toxic atmosphere that would allow homophobia to go unchallenged and even be encouraged.
I am now interested in seeing a recording of the play as I imagine it would be even more powerful in that format than it was reading it on the page.
mishka432's review
4.0
Interesting read. Super different structurally and in terms of description than your typical play. Would love to see it actually staged.
bevinadams's review
4.0
Equal parts sad and uplifting, this play is an important piece of literature. Following the aftermath of the brutal beating and eventual death of a gay college kid, the audience reads through a collection of testimonies about what happened in Laramie. The beautiful thing about theatre is that we can explore all different sides of humanity, and in this book you see every single thought process that either aligns or differs from your ideology. It's hard, and there is no sugarcoating what happened, but there is a real sense of community and uplifting that takes place throughout the play. It was an informative and thought-provoking read, and I recommend to everyone. We should not shy away from hard subjects, and The Laramie Project opens great conversations to have with those around you about acceptance and tolerance.
bravelass85's review
5.0
Best play I've read since Deaveare's Twilight. Can't wait to produce it. Matthew Shepard and his community's response to the tragedy are still relevant in 2014. I've read this four times in the last week. Moises K's "moment theatre" is inspired and creates a great sense of momentum.