Summary
Act 1
The Laramie Project opens with a segment called “Moment.” In this brief section, which recurs throughout the play, members of the Tectonic Theater Project read from journals they maintained during interviews with Laramie residents. This recurring segment allows certain characters to deliver lengthier monologues compared to the rest of the play, which is structured as interviews. After an introductory remark from the narrator, a long-time resident of the town shares some personal history about living in Laramie, offering the audience insights into the town's past. Other voices join in: some are newcomers, while others have lived there for years. Each contributes background information about being part of the town's culture, establishing the play's atmosphere and giving the audience a glimpse into life before Matt Shepard's murder.
The mood of the play shifts when Jedadiah Schultz speaks. This marks the first hint that something profoundly troubling has happened in Laramie, altering the town. Jedadiah begins by saying, “It’s hard to talk about Laramie now.” He continues, “If you would have asked me before, I would have told you Laramie is a beautiful town.” Clearly, things have changed.
Next is another “Moment.” In this one, Rebecca Hilliker, a college professor, shares her thoughts on her students, noting they differ from those she's taught elsewhere. They are outspoken and hold strong opinions, which Hilliker appreciates because it fosters a “dynamic in education.” This “Moment” then shifts back to Jedadiah, who recounts how he earned a university scholarship by performing a scene from Angels in America, a play featuring homosexual characters. He notes that his parents disapproved and did not attend his performance. His comments begin to highlight the divide in the community between those who are open-minded about homosexuality and those who are not.
The play returns to its interview format, with more community members sharing their perspectives on the town. They provide additional history, such as the impact of the railroads. Marge Murray discusses the perceived divide between the educated and uneducated. Yet, she believes the prevailing attitude among townspeople is “live and let live.” However, when Marge learns her words will be included in a play, she hesitates to reveal everything she knows.
In the following "Moment," Andy Paris, a member of the Tectonic Theater Project, shares that they have finally met someone who truly knew Matthew Shepard. This individual is Doc O'Connor, a limousine driver who became friends with Shepard. Doc describes Shepard as a slight young man who was unafraid to express himself. Subsequent interviews continue to paint a picture of Shepard, highlighting his friendliness, despite his initial shyness.
Doc reappears to offer more context about the residents of Laramie, noting that Shepard was not the only gay individual in the town. Doc believes that while many gay residents choose not to publicize their sexuality, they certainly exist. He also mentions that the prevailing attitude in the community is one of "live and let live."
The following interviews present a range of religious perspectives. A Baptist minister speaks, emphasizing from the pulpit that the Bible does not approve of homosexuality. A Mormon Church representative echoes this sentiment. A Unitarian Church member follows, showing openness toward homosexuality. Then, a young Muslim woman shares her experiences, describing the challenges she faced wearing a scarf, a symbol of her religion's modesty, and how the community questioned her right to wear it.
The scene shifts to the Fireside Bar, the last place Shepard was seen alive. Interviews with the owner and bartender, Matt Galloway, reveal the events of the night Shepard was murdered. It was here that the accused, Aaron...
(This entire section contains 1172 words.)
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McKinney and Russell Henderson, approached Shepard, spoke with him, and eventually left with him.
The subsequent section discusses McKinney and Henderson. Locals share their views on the young men, with many describing them as nice boys. Henderson, they note, was an Eagle Scout, while McKinney was considered a "good kid."
The final part of the first act narrates how Aaron Kreifels discovered Shepard after he was brutally beaten and abandoned. There are also statements from Reggie Fluty, the first officer on the scene, and Dr. Cantway, the emergency-room physician who treated Shepard at the hospital.
Act 2
Act 2 opens with an account of the media's arrival in Laramie following the release of the news story about Shepard. It includes reactions from Laramie residents to both the news and the reporters. Emotions range from disbelief and anger to fear. At the arraignment, most attendees were moved to tears. Discussions arise, questioning how such a tragedy could occur in Laramie.
Amidst various interviews, updates are provided on Shepard's medical condition, who remains in a coma. Meanwhile, McKinney and Henderson assert their innocence in court. Community members ponder what actions could have been taken to prevent the tragedy. Bartender Matt Galloway regrets not intervening to stop Shepard from leaving with McKinney and Henderson, suspecting that they were up to no good.
Reggie Fluty recounts her experience of discovering Shepard and expresses her fear of having contracted AIDS while tending to his bloody injuries without protective gloves. She undergoes multiple tests to determine if she is infected.
Jedadiah reflects on Shepard's assault, questioning his minister’s stance against homosexuality. Several other locals insist that homosexuality contradicts divine intent. A vigil is organized by the Catholic priest, but other ministers choose not to participate. During the homecoming parade, many Laramie residents unite, marching with a banner in Shepard's honor. As the parade progresses, more people join the group.
Another medical update reveals that Shepard has passed away.
Act 3
Shepard's funeral is held at the Catholic Church. Reverend Fred Phelps does not attend, declaring that even God harbors hate, which he believes is his duty to preach. "WE [sic] love that attribute of God, and we’re going to preach it. Because God’s hatred is pure," he says. He further claims, "If God doesn’t hate fags, why does he put ‘em in hell?"
This incites a response from Romaine Patterson, who organizes a group of friends to dress as angels when they learn the Reverend plans to visit Laramie for Henderson’s trial. "There’ll be ten to twenty of us that are angels—and what we’re gonna do is we’re gonna encircle Phelps . . . and because of our big wings—we are gonna com-plete-ly block him," she explains.
The scene shifts to jury selection, followed by Henderson changing his plea to guilty. Although Henderson expresses remorse, the judge doubts his sincerity and sentences him to life imprisonment. A year later, McKinney faces trial. During the proceedings, a tape of his confession is played, detailing the beating. The jury convicts him of felony murder, making him eligible for the death penalty. However, Shepard’s father requests that McKinney receive a life sentence instead.
Mr. McKinney, while I would take great satisfaction in witnessing your demise, now is the moment to initiate healing. It's time to extend compassion to someone who showed none. Despite the difficulty, I will grant you life, and I do this in Matthew's honor.
