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A review by re_oanslay
The Laramie Project and the Laramie Project: Ten Years Later by Leigh Fondakowski, Tectonic Theater Project, Moisés Kaufman
4.0
My star rating is an average of the two plays, which seemed only fair because they’re separate works presented jointly.
The Laramie Project itself is a devastatingly beautiful piece that I needed to put down several times because my heart was clenched and tears were in my eyes. Because the dialogue is all direct quotes, it’s stark and simple but still contains multitudes. I would love to see this piece performed live. 5 stars, easily.
10 Years Later, in contrast, doesn’t inspire such a visceral reaction. As a concept, returning to Laramie and seeing how things have changed is wonderful but it falls flat in execution. Life doesn’t always create perfect narratives. People want to excuse Matthew Shepard’s murder, policy change is promised but falls flat, the new generation is apathetic if best. The only reason I finished 10 Years Later is because I enjoyed its predecessor so much. 2 stars, generously.
The Laramie Project itself is a devastatingly beautiful piece that I needed to put down several times because my heart was clenched and tears were in my eyes. Because the dialogue is all direct quotes, it’s stark and simple but still contains multitudes. I would love to see this piece performed live. 5 stars, easily.
10 Years Later, in contrast, doesn’t inspire such a visceral reaction. As a concept, returning to Laramie and seeing how things have changed is wonderful but it falls flat in execution. Life doesn’t always create perfect narratives. People want to excuse Matthew Shepard’s murder, policy change is promised but falls flat, the new generation is apathetic if best. The only reason I finished 10 Years Later is because I enjoyed its predecessor so much. 2 stars, generously.