Why is this still relevant?
The murder of 21 year old gay college student Matthew Shepard shocked America in 1998. Shortly afterwards Moises Kaufman and the Tectonic Theater company travelled to Laramie, Wyoming to interview residents about their reaction to the crime that took place in their midst and the hate that motivated it. The varied reactions they got allowed them to create a unique and moving piece of documentary theatre that has now become a high school and college staple. Its even been filmed by HBO. One could well question why Kaufman and company are going back to the well with their creation of a sequel.
One unfortunate answer is historical revisionism. The killers, who originally admitted they were partially motivated by Shepards sexuality, changed their story and attempted to perpetuate the narrative that it was simply a robbery or drug deal gone bad. Astoundingly, much of Laramie seems to believe this version of events despite overwhelming evidence to its contrary. It appears to be a way to strike back at the media with their agendas whom they feel unfairly demonized their town.
In this way the sequel is actually less hopeful and optimistic than my memories of the original, but its honest.
The setup is simple. Eight actors play the original company members who were interviewers and also multiple Laramie residents.
One intriguing element is that outside the University, the most decent and progressive characters in the show are the cops. Dave OMalley, the investigating officer into the killing admits he was a homophobe before. He laments that it took a tragedy to change his heart but he is now 180 degrees different. Its a variation on our civilizations most oft told story: The torture and murder of an innocent man redeems our sins.
Its powerful stuff, with great performances especially from Gene Cordon as OMalley and others. Matthew Klingler offers an appropriately chilling turn as the murderer Aaron McKinney.
If you have tears, prepare to shed them.
Why is this still relevant?
Because were still asking that question.
Reviewed by Centerstage!
Map it