Le Provocateur

Issue date: 12/5/02 Section: Lead Stories

The cast of The Laramie Project

Senior Nick Bernier

How would you feel if you lost your student? What about a neighbor? And what if it was one of your best friends? In addition to that, imagine your friend, neighbor, or student was brutally murdered just because he or she chose to be him or herself.

Matthew Shepard chose to be himself; most of us do. But Shepard paid for it with his life one night in Laramie, Wyoming. Most AC students probably know the story about Shepard. He was brutally beaten, tied to a fence, and left there to die, all because he was homosexual. He died six days later.

The Laramie Project is a play that explores what happened after Shepard's beating and eventual death. It examines how everyone in Shepard's life dealt with his death, including his college professor, a bartender, and even the young man who discovered Shepard's body. Not only that, but it allows everyone to take a look into the murderers' lives and the criminal trials that put them behind bars for life.

This fall, Director Brian Tivnan chose to bring The Laramie Project to Assumption. When he held auditions, Tivnan was looking for eight actors who could handle several characters each.

Those chosen in the auditions were Seniors Nick Bernier, May Booth, and Adam Hardenbrook, Junior Denise Lafond, Sophomores Pat Bolger and J.D. Killoran, Freshman Meghan Corcoran, and Adjunct Spanish Professor Margarita Pignataro. When he cast the actors, Tivnan brought them to Judy Shepard's speech at Assumption on October 3rd. It was an event that would impact the way they took to the stage as their characters.

Bolger, whose characters included Jedadiah Schultz, felt that Shepard's speech "gave [the play] a much more personal feel. She was a powerful speaker. When the whole cast saw it, it really hit us. This really happened."

Booth, who played several characters including Regee Flutty, agreed. "None of us had really had a personal connection," she said. "They showed the video, and we saw Matthew's face. Then we realized this was real."

"It totally gave me a more personal connection just seeing her talk, and I got to interview her for ACTV ," said Bernier, who played characters such as Fr. Roger Smitt and Rob Depree. "I spent a decent amount of time with her. It's not a place on a map now. I have spoken to someone who was there, who was affected."

At the costume practice, on Tuesday, November 19th, at 4:00 p.m., the actors were counting down the hours till opening night, which was Thursday, November 21st at 7:30 p.m. They practiced their parts with hope that the audience would gain something from this performance.

Killoran, who played several roles including Matt Galloway, wanted to educate people through his performance. He wanted them to "just [have] a better understanding of what went on and how hate can be prevented."

Hardenbrook, whose major roles included Denis Shepard and John Peacock, said, "I hope it affects them on an emotional level and makes people think about the deep seeded prejudice and hatreds in this country and how some people can take it to extremes and what a horrible thing it is when it happens."

Pignataro, who played a college professor and Muslim girl among other roles, said, "[The audience should gain] acceptance and openness to different perspectives because the world is not just one color, it's a variety. We are all beings with feelings who are just trying to survive in this world."

The Laramie Project was performed November 21st through November 25th. Others who contributed to The Laramie Project were Elvira Para (Set Designer), Chris Gates (Lighting Designer), Katie Anderson (Costume Designer), Susan Ulbrich (Guitarist/Narrator), Senior Andy O'Neil (Stage Manager/Lighting and Sound), Greg Pappas (Lighting and Sound), Junior Jeremy Carr (Sound Designer), and Brian Vohden (Understudy). O'Neil also designed the fliers hung up around campus and the programs handed out each night. All proceeds from the concessions, along with one dollar from each ticket sold, were donated to The Matthew Shepard Foundation.

On Friday, November 22, 2002, students, professors, Assumption priests, and even the actors' families crowded into La Maison Francaise to see the production. Each audience member came with interest in the matter.

"Judy Shepard inspired us," said Juniors Malia Willey and Leanne Walsh in unison.

Senior Carrie DeBlois was also inspired by Shepard's speech. "I have friends who are in [the play], but I also went to see Judy Shepard when she was here," she said. "I got to meet Judy. There were 15 students who met with her afterwards. And I also heard [The Laramie Project] was very good."

Freshman Phoebe Kaminski came because she has seen hatred towards homosexuals first hand. "I thought [the play] would be interesting. I knew quite a few gay people in high school who were bashed and I stood up for them. Then I was bashed too," she said.

The Friday performance of The Laramie Project ran from 7:30 p.m. until around 10:30 p.m. There was a ten-minute intermission after Act I and then a quick one-minute break between Act II and Act III. By the end of Act II, many people had cried over the emotional stories of the characters. Most people left that night amazed by the performance and the actors' realistic portrayals.

"I thought the production was amazing- the level of talent exhibited was incredible," said Senior Leeanne Griffin. "I literally teared up about five times; it was just outstanding."

Campus Minister Stephanie agreed. "I thought the play was outstanding- it was a thought provoking, intense performance that left me different than when I walked in," she said. "I was so impressed with the actors' performances and I'm proud of Assumption College for putting on the production."

Alex Castro, a Philipino studying at Assumption, thought the play was heart moving. "It was a presentation of our reality of hate [and] prejudice, but it was also a story of hope, compassion, and forgiveness," he said. "I just hope we can have some more plays of this kind."

"The actors and actresses involved in the performance of The Laramie Project put on a heart felt and emotional performance," added Senior Peggy Randall. "They put a lot of depth and feeling into their characters which made them come alive on stage, making the audience feel like we were really there."

"Kudos to the cast for pulling off very demanding multiple roles and successfully staying in character," said Fr. Donald Espinosa. "And congratulations to Brian Tivnan for his courage and talent."

On both Saturday and Sunday, there was a discussion panel held after the 2:00 p.m. productions. Those represented in the panel were the Worcester Police Hate Crime Unit, The National Conference, The Worcester Human Rights Commission, and the Allies group from Assumption, Holy Cross, WPI, and Worcester State College.

The Laramie Project was not only a great success but it seemed to accomplish what the actors were hoping for. People came out with a better understanding of the reality of hatred; they also came out with a better sense of hope. Each one of the actors contributed to a fine educational performance, which will hopefully never be forgotten by those who attended.

"It brought me to tears. I loved it and would recommend it to anyone," said Randall. "They truly did justice to the Matthew Shepard story."

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