Laramie Project

Whilst down in Cedar Rapids this weekend, I managed to get to this play. It worked out great because I could not have gone to the shows this upcoming weekend. All in all, I would recommend it, especially in light of the SPD class, as it contains a myriad of relatable material.

In the director's notes, he says the play is "not about Matthew Shepard or homosexuality--nor about Laramie...the show is about hate of 'the other'". The format of the show was a monologue documentary consisting of interviews and monologues with the people of Laramie, Wyoming and the Tectonic Theater project (the group conducting the interviews). The breadth and depth of the interviews and the selection of the interviewees created an intriguing dynamic--spot on with the expectation of the director. Each person's story gave a piece of what constitutes hate, what prolongs hate, and how destructive acts of hate can be far beyond the immediate parties involved.

There were several big themes that caught my attention, and regardless of whether you end up going or not I think it is important to share. The phrase "Live and let live" was mentioned by several of the people when asked about their opinions of the homosexual population in Laramie. Essentially, they were fine with 'them' so long as they didn't bother anyone, try to flirt with the straight people, and kept to themselves. Live and let live, I feel, is a very typical 'modern prejudice' phrase. It is not tolerance but rather a qualified tolerance, like someone saying they are fond of soup, so long as they don’t have to eat it. Moreover, phrases such as ‘live and let live’ and ‘We’re very tolerant around here, but…’ paints a superficial veneer of symbolic equality and individualism. Unfortunately, while a community such as Laramie considers such a policy acceptable and welcoming, the homosexual population is essentially put on probation and, in turn, are anxious, mindful, and fearful, for the way in which they choose to live might not be acceptable. This general theme was communicated by the interviews of several gay and lesbian members of the community, and with regard to Matthew Shepard, it seemed all too easy for people to place blame on him, the victim. This is a clear byproduct of qualified tolerance.

The second point that I wanted to comment on was a reflection by a student from Wyoming University. She said, “People keep saying ‘we’re not that kind of place where this stuff happens’, but we are—it did happen, didn’t it? That means we are that kind of town, and that kind of state and that kind of country that allows for this sort of thing to happen…We need to own this crime, and not move on until something is done.” Instead of blaming it on ‘just a few bad apples.’ She made her town, her state, her country, and most importantly herself accountable. One must admit this is quite profound.

Anyway, interesting show. Lots to think about. I would encourage everyone to see it. Just remember it’s the last show at the flood site (by Lindale Mall in Marion), so don’t go downtown.