Laramie Project is “life-changing”

Laramie+Project+is+life-changing

The theater group at CKHS successfully put on the second production of the year, The Laramie Project, a documentary of events that took place in Laramie, Wyoming.  It is based on Matthew Shepard’s story, a 21 year-old boy who was kidnapped, robbed, and beaten to death for being homosexual.  It exposes the harsh reality of discrimination against gays and how it can affect not only the person but the whole community as well.

All of the actors gathered around to celebrate finishing the last performance.
All of the actors gathered around to celebrate finishing the last performance.

The play itself contains a series of interviews by the New York-based Tectonic Theatre Project which bring out the personal thoughts and emotions of those who experience situation first hand.  The play was directed by theater teacher Bryan Sullivan, and shown three times, once each on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday (2/25-2/27).  Many of the actors and actresses are very proud and happy that they were able to star in the production.  “I was so happy when I was given the opportunity and privilege to be in the play” said Christian Lynch. Many of the actors were returnees from the first play, Les Miserables. However there were still lots of new members, including sophomore Daelynn Rider and juniors Emma Gutierrez and Junior Brandon Nivens.  

The cast of the production prepares and practices for the first show.
The cast of the production prepares and practices for the first show.

Nivens starred as Russell Henderson (one of Matthew’s murderers). He said, “Well I’ve always wanted to do something involving drama or theater but I was too nervous. However it has been a life changing experience.”  

Some of the new actors were pretty nervous yet excited for the play, Gutierrez said, “ I was extremely nervous considering it was my first time, but am honored to have been in the school’s production.”  All of the actors agreed that the play was very influential on their lives.  Senior Takoda Sandaine said, “It influences us because it reflects the reality of our society and can allow oppressed people to relate.”  Gutierrez said, “I was extremely nervous considering it was my first time, but am honored to have been in the school’s production.” The drama club is now starting their new series of plays known as “SpringFest” which consists of multiple short student-directed plays.