“The Laramie Project”, the renowned, emotionally wrenching play centered on the themes of tolerance and understanding will grace the Saxon Stage on Dec. 17 and 18 in the auditorium.

On Oct. 1998, in Laramie, Wyoming, the severely beaten body of twenty year old college student Matthew Shepard was mistaken for that of a scarecrow by a passerby. The once young and vibrant Shepard had been kidnapped, tortured, tied to a fence, and left for dead a few days earlier on the night of Oct. 6.

Ultimately, the reason for this offense was intolerance to the highest degree. Shepard was an openly gay man and was targeted due to his sexual orientation. Homophobia was the cause of his homicide. America was traumatized by the murder of Shepard, attracting nationwide attention and causing the media to flock to the small Midwestern town.

Members of the Tectonic Theater project visited Laramie after the tragedy and interviewed community members who had been affected by the tragedy or had experienced other forms of intolerance. These interviews became the testimonies used to later create their play, “The Laramie Project.”

Over the summer, senior Lauren Stewart had the idea to make “The Laramie Project” a student-directed Saxon Stage performance.  She considers herself a “big supporter of gay rights,” and thinks that this production would be a great way to bring this issue to the attention of the Langley student body.

After proposing the idea to Langley’s drama teacher, Ms. Phyliss Jaffe, Stewart began to work with Langley’s top performers to bring her idea to life. With rehearsals beginning Nov. 29, the actors and actresses have been working hard to convey the heartwarming message of the play through their actions and words. “Everyone deserves to be treated equally regardless of their sexual orientation,” said Rokhsane Mahmoudi, who has multiple roles in the play.

Proceeds from ticket sales will be donated to the Matthew Shepard Foundation, an organization whose purpose is to “erase hate” and promote peace.  “I think it’s great. It’s an eye-opening, horizon-broadening experience, and I think every student should see it,” said Principal Matthew Ragone.

Additional reporting and writing done by Rosie Brock