saviorcomplexdiehard's review
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
reflective
sad
medium-paced
5.0
thoroughlymodernreviewer's review
4.0
I had to read this play for my Playscript Analysis class in college and it was one of the best plays we read the entire semester. From start to finish, The Laramie Project is a gripping, entertaining read that makes you think deeply, tugs at your heartstrings, and stretches the bounds of what you can do in a modern piece of theatre.
The Laramie Project tells the story of how the small town of Laramie, Wyoming reacts to the brutal murder of Matthew Sheppard in 1998. It's a really difficult read about the impact a hate crime can have on a small community. Folks often feel as though it "could never happen here" up until the moment it does and they're forced to take an introspective look at themselves and their community and how they possibly could have allowed for such a tragedy to occur.
The Laramie Project offers a surprisingly sympathetic look at the town. It would have been very easy for Kaufman and the other members of the Tectonic Theater Project to have painted the residents of Laramie as a bunch of bigots, but they don't do that. They show the residents as they are, warts and all, but also grant them a light of sympathy. Many of them harbor no ill-feelings towards LGBT+ people and are utterly appalled that such a hate crime could've taken place in their midst.
It's a really fascinating look into how tragedies can impact the lives of more than just the immediate family of the victims. It's a hard read and will likely make you emotional, so do be prepared for that. But, all in all, it's a really good one and you'll be a better person after having read the play.
The Laramie Project tells the story of how the small town of Laramie, Wyoming reacts to the brutal murder of Matthew Sheppard in 1998. It's a really difficult read about the impact a hate crime can have on a small community. Folks often feel as though it "could never happen here" up until the moment it does and they're forced to take an introspective look at themselves and their community and how they possibly could have allowed for such a tragedy to occur.
The Laramie Project offers a surprisingly sympathetic look at the town. It would have been very easy for Kaufman and the other members of the Tectonic Theater Project to have painted the residents of Laramie as a bunch of bigots, but they don't do that. They show the residents as they are, warts and all, but also grant them a light of sympathy. Many of them harbor no ill-feelings towards LGBT+ people and are utterly appalled that such a hate crime could've taken place in their midst.
It's a really fascinating look into how tragedies can impact the lives of more than just the immediate family of the victims. It's a hard read and will likely make you emotional, so do be prepared for that. But, all in all, it's a really good one and you'll be a better person after having read the play.
ninafcf's review
emotional
informative
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
solsticestorm's review
dark
emotional
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
theannabaker's review
hopeful
informative
sad
medium-paced
4.0
Heartbreaking story, but wonderful delivery. The Angels in America play made me feel a better connection to the plot and story, as well as the characters
“Don’t fuck with a Wyoming queer, ‘cause they will kick you in your fucking ass”
He came into the world pre-mature and left the world premature.
Go home, give your kids a hug, and don’t let a day go by with-out telling them you love them.
“Don’t fuck with a Wyoming queer, ‘cause they will kick you in your fucking ass”
He came into the world pre-mature and left the world premature.
Go home, give your kids a hug, and don’t let a day go by with-out telling them you love them.