CSU East Bay Department of Theatre & Dance kicks off the fall season with a re-enactment of the famed “The Laramie Project,” detailing the 1998 torture and death of homosexual student Matthew Shepard in Laramie, Wyo.
Hoping to bring awareness to homophobia and hate crimes in America, the famous play is set to premier on Nov. 11 and continues on the 12, 18, 19 and 20.
According to A. Fajilan, CSUEB theatre professor and director for the play, the play is a powerful expression and exploration of an issue in America that needs much work, and a play like “The Laramie Project” can help facilitate positive change.
“I was at first against doing the play because it’s been done so many times,” said Fajilan, “but then you look around and see why we have to do this play because sensitivity to the issue hasn’t changed much. We still have hate crimes, even in our community; it’s amazing how that hatred is still alive.”
Based on the real life murder of Matthew Shepard, a homosexual man who was beaten, tortured and consequently murdered by two men in rural Wyoming, the unfortunate story provides context to the devastating crimes affecting LGBT (Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender) members in the nation, as the murder has brought nation-wide attention to homophobia and hate crimes.
“I hope when people see the play they feel that they saw something that had something important to say about hate crimes,” said Brianna Fiebelman, stage manager. “Even if the murder happened years ago, it still could happen today. This is something everybody could learn from, something that we could prevent.”
“The Laramie Project” originally premiered in 2000 and has since been highly recognized and performed across the country multiple times from the Ricketson Theater in Denver to Union Square Theater in New York City.
The play was written by Moisés Kaufman of the Tectonic Theater Project, who conducted interviews with over 100 people from Laramie, Wyo. The original version of the play is a replication of the interviews conducted by the theater company with eight actors portraying over 60 characters.
According to Fajilan, CSUEB’s version will have 30 actors instead of the usual eight in the original play. The format Fajilan is aiming for is a blend of “presentation, realism and testimony.”
The increase in actors, said Fajilan, also gives more opportunity for more people to be a part of the play as each actor will be playing two or three roles.
Fajilan highlights this will not be a realistic drama.
“We don’t show the killing in this, it’s not sensational,” said Fajilan. “Instead, you will see elements, conversations behind people. I’m trying to highlight the relationships of who we are to each other.”
The play is in its final stages of preparation, but the staff and actors feel confident about its premiere and premise.
Actor Alex Morales said he is confident about the play.
“This play humanizes both sides. It makes the issue more clear to people who may not have heard about it,” explained Morales.
Fajilan said she hopes students will come to watch the show because of its immense message of acceptance and humanity for all, adding the play is a depiction of something real and tangible in our society, and is thus something to pay attention to.
“This play is a presentation of fact and truth as we remember it,” said Fajilan with emphasis.
