Since the debut of The Laramie Project 25 years ago, it is still striking how the darkest tragedy can bring forth the most incredible art. The verbatim words of the real people of Laramie travel through time to remind us that hate has consequences and empathy has weight.
Premiering in 2000 in Denver, Colorado, Moisés Kaufman and the Tectonic Theater Project’s The Laramie Project was created from interviews conducted after the murder of Matthew Shepard in 1998.
The play weaves together the testimonies of family, friends, and officials at a time of grief and reflection. It has been performed in over 20 countries and 13 languages and has reached millions of people.
This New Theatre production, directed by Mark G Nagle, honours that legacy with care and restraint. The opening tableau brings the townspeople together before allowing them to separate and tell their own stories.
The whole ensemble sings, with a few highlights. Ruba El-kaddoumi gives a measured and thoughtful performance as Zubaida Ula, while Rayyan Khan captures the frustration and empathy of Matthew Galloway.
Rich Knighton’s portrayal of Dennis Shepard is sincere and affecting; his iconic “I give you life” speech is wrought with emotion. John Michael Narres adds a layer of humanity and warmth as Doc O’Connor. 19-year-old Charlie White gives Jedadiah Schultz a sense of moral growth that is sincerely affecting.
David Marshall-Martin’s set uses wooden planks to make the dreaded fence larger than life. The combination of that symbol with the angel wings moment from the poster is genius.
Tash McBride’s lighting shifts gently between intimacy and isolation, while Alexander Sussman’s sound design and compositions gently underscore moments of reflection. Each choice feels considered and respectful of the play’s tone.
Nagle’s direction keeps the pacing even and deliberate, allowing the text’s rhythm and silences to ebb and flow. I found myself admiring the precision of the storytelling and the intelligence of the staging more than feeling deeply moved by it.
The restraint, though powerful, sometimes created a distance between the audience and the raw emotion beneath the words. Perhaps that distance was deliberate – the production invites contemplation rather than catharsis. Nagle’s production does not sensationalise the story but treats it as an act of collective empathy.
The Laramie Project at New Theatre is a thoughtful, compassionate, and quietly powerful piece of theatre. It reminds us that understanding can be as important as feeling – and that both are needed to create change.
The Laramie Project runs until 1 November at New Theatre, 542 King Street Newtown NSW 2042.
Tickets: https://aunewtheatre.sales.ticketsearch.com/sales/salesevent/143745
Website: https://newtheatre.org.au/the-laramie-project/
Socials: https://www.instagram.com/newtheatresydney/
Photo credits: Chris Lundie
Content Warnings: This production contains theatrical haze, coarse language, homophobic slurs, detailed descriptions of murder, and references to drug use and religious ideology.
Teachers please note: a post-show Q&A session with the director and cast is available on request.
