The Laramie Project

The Laramie Project has been a popular choice of production, with high schools and universities in the years since its inception in 2000. Not only does the show have compelling themes, with its examination of small-town attitudes, homophobia, and the examination of hate crime, but it offers the young cast the opportunity to engage with and study verbatim theatre, offers a large and flexible cast size, and has engaging and challenging acting roles.

Despite having seen the show many times, WAAPA’s Second Year Acting Production was probably the best incarnation that I have had the pleasure of experiencing. Performed by a strong ensemble cast, it was well supported by WAAPA Production and Design Students.

Making clear one of the major themes, the back wall of the playing space was filled with framed images of queer icons, from Oscar Wilde, through Frida Kahlo to Marsha P. Johnson and Ellen DeGeneres. At the centre, at the bottom of the wall is a striking portrait of Matthew Shepard, whose murder was the impetus for this production. The stage floor is littered with a variety of wooden chairs, which are rearranged into multiple formations throughout the play. A rack of clothing on each side (costume design by Rosalie Schneider) of the stage helps actors make character transitions clearly throughout. This simple design serves this multi-locale story well, aided by intelligent lighting design by Isla Kerridge and thoughtful sound design by Amaru Zachariassen.

In this collaborative ensemble production, it is hard to single out individual performances, as this cast were all excellent, with swift convincing characterisations, great distinctions between characters and convincing performances.

Particularly memorable for me were Hank Harris’ beautifully nuanced Jedidiah Schultz and vastly different portrayal of murderer Aaron Mckinney, while Rosalili Ford was similarly striking as co-accused Russell Henderson.

Particularly versatile were Aimee Honor and Becca Galvin, each playing a plethora of very different characters.

Tierney Clark’s portrayal of the policewoman who treated Matt Shepard, then faced the possibility of an HIV infection, was especially well portrayed, with Olivia Staniforth strong as her mother Marge.

Notable moments from Pierse Cait as Rulon Stacy, CEO of the hospital where Matthew was taken, Conan O’Connell as Dennis Shepherd, Victoria Hemmed as the Mormon Home Teacher and Jin Yoo as hijabi woman Zubaida Ulla. While Monique Mitchell and Logan Sethu committed well to unlikeable characters. Ryan Tierney as Matt Galloway and Grace Ghanem conversely created characters we took to our hearts. Good work also from Jay-Kay Davies and Pippin Carroll.

Another strong Acting cohort, with a lovely commitment to role, beautiful use of emotion and great camaraderie. I look forward to seeing future work.

Kimberley Shaw

Photographer:  Stephen Heath