The Laramie Project by Moises Kaufman receives acclaim for its raw and powerful portrayal of a community's response to tragedy. Critics praise its innovative documentary-theater format and emotional depth. However, some find its structure disjointed and character portrayals uneven. Overall, it is lauded for fostering dialogue on important issues.

Readers who appreciate the profound societal impact of plays similar to The Crucible by Arthur Miller or Angels in America by Tony Kushner will find The Laramie Project by Moises Kaufman compelling. It appeals to those interested in real-life events and social justice, blending documentary theater with powerful narratives on human rights.

The Laramie Project by Moisés Kaufman and the Tectonic Theatre Project chronicles the aftermath of the 1998 murder of Matthew Shepard, a young gay man in Laramie, Wyoming, through interviews conducted by the theatre company with local residents, police, and friends of Shepard. The play explores themes of homophobia, hatred, and tolerance, culminating in the trials of Shepard's murderers and the societal impact of the tragedy. The play features depictions of violence, hate crimes, and loss.

Informative / Contemplative / Emotional / Challenging / Mysterious

- The Laramie Project was developed by Moises Kaufman and members of the Tectonic Theater Project through a series of more than 200 interviews conducted over a year in Laramie, Wyoming. 
- The play's structure is unique because it employs a documentary theater style, where real-life interviews and journal entries are woven into the script to create a verbatim theater piece.
- Since its debut in 2000, The Laramie Project has been performed by theater groups worldwide, highlighting its impact and continued relevance in discussions about social issues and community responses.

**Tectonic Theatre Project Members**  
The members of the theatre company appear throughout as narrators and interviewers, working to gather stories and insights from the Laramie community following the death of Matthew Shepard. They occasionally share their reflections and experiences, particularly in the context of LGBT issues.

**Matthew Shepard**  
Matthew is a central figure in the play, depicted as a kind and open-minded university student with aspirations in human rights. His tragic story serves as a catalyst for broader discussions on hate crimes and societal change.

**Matt Galloway**  
The bartender at The Fireside bar, Matt is deeply affected by the events and feels regret about not having recognized the danger Matthew was in. He opposes the death penalty, advocating for justice without revenge.

**Reggie Fluty**  
A policewoman who responded to the emergency call, Reggie is faced with the personal consequence of possible HIV exposure during her attempt to save Matthew. She remains hopeful for a future where Laramie moves beyond the tragedy.

**Rebecca Hilliker**  
As the head of the Theatre Department at the University of Wyoming, Rebecca sees it as her duty to educate her students about homophobia, partially through staging plays that challenge societal views.

**Jedadiah Schultz**  
A theatre student with a complicated view on homosexuality, Jedadiah experiences personal growth and reevaluates his beliefs throughout the play, leading to increased empathy and understanding.

**Rob DeBree**  
The lead investigator on Matthew Shepard’s case, Rob grapples with the emotional weight of the investigation and is eventually moved to confront and combat discrimination as a result of it.

**Romaine Patterson**  
A close friend of Matthew’s, Romaine is an active voice against the idea of the crime being purely motivated by theft, and she organizes actions to counterhate speech in the aftermath of the tragedy.

**Doc O’Connor**  
A local limousine driver familiar with Matthew, Doc provides contextual information about Laramie and unknowingly sheds light on the subtle nature of biases in the town.

**Marge Murray**  
Reggie Fluty's mother, Marge provides local insight and opposes blaming Matthew for the repercussions faced by her daughter, instead focusing on those who committed the crime.

**Baptist Minister**  
A religious figure who, despite recognizing the wrongdoing in Matthew's murder, lacks empathy and is critical of Matthew's lifestyle.

**Father Roger Schmit**  
A religious leader who extends compassion and understanding towards Matthew and emphasizes the broader implications of homophobic attitudes within the community.

**Aaron McKinney and Russell Henderson**  
Matthew's attackers, characterized by information from others in the community, are depicted as frustrated, insecure young men influenced by their societal environment.

Moises Kaufman

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Before You Read

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Overview

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The Laramie Project Summary and Study Guide

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Act I, Moments 1-5

The Laramie Project Act I, Moments 1-5 Summary & Analysis

Act I, Moments 6-10

The Laramie Project Act I, Moments 6-10 Summary & Analysis

Act I, Moments 11-13

The Laramie Project Act I, Moments 11-13 Summary & Analysis

Act I, Moments 14-17

The Laramie Project Act I, Moments 14-17 Summary & Analysis

Act II, Moments 1-4

The Laramie Project Act II, Moments 1-4 Summary & Analysis

Act II, Moments 5-9

The Laramie Project Act II, Moments 5-9 Summary & Analysis

Act II, Moments 10-14

The Laramie Project Act II, Moments 10-14 Summary & Analysis

Act II, Moments 15-17

The Laramie Project Act II, Moments 15-17 Summary & Analysis

Act II, Moments 18-21

The Laramie Project Act II, Moments 18-21 Summary & Analysis

Act III, Moments 1-3

The Laramie Project Act III, Moments 1-3 Summary & Analysis

Act III, Moments 4-5

The Laramie Project Act III, Moments 4-5 Summary & Analysis

Act III, Moments 6-9

The Laramie Project Act III, Moments 6-9 Summary & Analysis

Act III, Moments 10-12

The Laramie Project Act III, Moments 10-12 Summary & Analysis

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Character Analysis

The Laramie Project Character Analysis

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Themes

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Symbols & Motifs

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Important Quotes

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Essay Topics

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The Laramie Project Teaching Unit

Introduction

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Reading Context

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During Reading

Reading Questions & Paired Texts

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After Reading

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Activities

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Essay Questions

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Exam Questions

The Laramie Project Cumulative Exam Questions

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The Laramie Project Exam Answer Key

The Laramie Project

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