On Nov. 15-17, the Earl L. Vandermeulen High School Drama Club, under the direction of Anthony Butera, performed “The Laramie Project,” which recounts the true story of the 1998 hate-crime murder of University of Wyoming gay student Matthew Shepard in Laramie, Wyo.
“Being a part of this performance really opened my eyes,” said senior Maggie Butera. Added castmate Jessie Gray, “Laramie is a small town, much like it is here in Port Jefferson. Many people think that something of this nature doesn’t or wouldn’t happen here, but it could and that’s why we wanted to be a part of this show – to spread awareness.”
Before tryouts, Butera hosted a workshop to help prepare students for the audition process. “The students read through the script and deciphered the play’s emotions,” he said. “I wanted them to be mentally prepared for the context of this show, which is unlike what we typically perform. It was a raw performance that touched opinions that are deeply rooted in how people are raised. It challenges the viewer to be accountable for their actions and inspires them to reflect on how they are living.”
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The performance of “The Laramie Project” ties in with character education programs that students throughout the district have been participating in, such as Red Ribbon Week; One Book, One School; Stop the Violence and more. Additionally, the drama club donated $1 from every ticket sold to the Matthew Sheppard Foundation.
“The show wasn’t just about homophobia, but rather, it was about how everyone is unique,” said drama club president and senior Sydney Ruggiero. “As a society, we need to accept our differences more and do what we can to prevent people from being discriminated against.”
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Members of the cast and crew have received a generous amount of positive feedback from their classmates, the faculty and staff, even in the days and weeks following the performances. “The show may be over, but the message is still being passed on, and that was what we were trying to accomplish,” said Sydney.
“It goes to show that you’re never too tiny to make a difference,” added cast member Liane Russell. “We may be a small group of students, but we moved our audiences, including people we have never even met before. That says something.”
