Nov. 9-11: Harwood drama takes on real-life tragedy in ‘The Laramie Project’

November 6, 2023  |  By Waterbury Roundabout 

Harwood Drama presents 'The Laramie Project' this Thursday-Saturday in the school auditorium. Courtesy photo

Harwood Union High School’s drama program presents its fall play, “The Laramie Project,” this week, Thursday-Saturday, Nov. 9-11. 

The play is based on a true story and presents a complex portrait of a community’s response to the 1998 murder of Matthew Shepard, a young gay man living in Laramie, Wyoming. 

The story is told in a series of poignant reflections in which the characters portray residents of Laramie who react to the hate crime and the media storm that followed with anger, bewilderment, and sorrow. 

Director Scott Weigand explains why the story remains important to tell in 2023. “While this happened in 1998, it is a story that is still relevant today. These students have taken on the challenge of presenting this difficult material in a way that challenges all of us to take a look at ourselves,” he said. “We honor Matthew Shepard by telling his story, and striving to improve how we treat others.”   

The play draws on hundreds of interviews conducted with inhabitants of the town along with news reports at the time and journal entries by original company members. The material allows the play to portray the seismic and deeply personal impact Matthew’s death had on his small town while also demonstrating the power of the human spirit to triumph over bigotry and violence, Weigand explains. 

The script is divided into three acts, and the cast of 14 student actors portray more than 60 characters in a series of short scenes. 

Cast members rehearsing for 'The Laramie Project' on stage at Harwood this week. Left to right: Ben Robinson, Tarin Askew, Seneca Whittingham and Maddy Abair. Courtesy photo

Courtesy poster image

Cast members are led by senior Ben Robinson and juniors Zoe Blackman, Seneca Whittingham and Kai Haddock, along with sophomores Theo Riddick and Max Maylin, and freshmen Tarin Askew, Camille Edgecomb, Julia Wulff, Lex Merlos, Harper Hayes, Eirann McDonough, Marley Green, and Maddy Abair. Stage managers are sophomore Grady Hagenbuch and freshman Cali Neville. 

The performances in the Harwood auditorium will begin at 7:30 p.m. Tickets: $10 adults, $5 students. 

Weigand cautions audience members and parents in particular that this play is based on a true story and includes mature content that some may find upsetting, including strong language and descriptions of homophobia and death. It is not recommended for younger audience members.