High School Officials Suspend 'The Laramie Project' Production Hours Before Curtain Rises
by Chris Peterson, OnStage Blog Founder
UPDATE: According to news, the performance has been rescheduled for Friday, November 22nd at 6:30 pm.
According to reports, a school officials in Phoenix, AZ decided to suspend the opening night performance of The Laramie Project just hours before the show was set to start.
In a letter to theater parents, a Phoenix Union High School district spokesperson explained the decision, citing the emotional responses to the play’s preview as a reason for the postponement.
"Dear Theatre Families,
Tonight’s play, the Laramie Project, has been postponed due to the need for additional time to better prepare our audience and the public for the seriousness of the play’s content. We understand that our students should have opportunities to engage in real-world topics and social justice through art forms, dialogue, community service, and other informative and supportive avenues. After last night’s sneak preview, we learned that some additional measures and partnerships need to take place to support our community’s emotional responses to this dramatic performance.
As part of our commitment to creating a safe, supportive, and inclusive environment for all students, we would like to take this opportunity to thoroughly communicate and provide clarity around supporting all the diverse backgrounds and perspectives in our community. This postponement will also allow our staff to provide appropriate and available resources and supports for participants and audience members processing the content.
We will work closely with our theatre department to make necessary adjustments and ensure transparency with all families about the explored themes. Additionally, we will provide parents and guardians with a detailed description of the sensitive content and topics covered in the play so that parents and guardians can decide whether they would like their student(s) to attend.
We understand that the play is an important educational experience, and we believe that it has the potential to foster meaningful conversations and deep reflection. We also must ensure that it is presented thoughtfully and that those who attend are aware of the sensitive topics presented in the play in advance.
We will keep you updated on the new performance dates and any additional information related to the content. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me. We appreciate your support as we educate our community through performance and responsibly meet their personal, social, and emotional needs.
Thank you for your continued support of the Chavez Theatre Arts Program."
At this time, there is no word on when performances will begin.
Written by Moisés Kaufman and the Tectonic Theater Project, the play is based on the real-life events surrounding the tragic 1998 murder of Matthew Shepard, a young gay man, in Laramie, Wyoming. Through interviews, court transcripts, and news reports, The Laramie Project explores the impact of the hate crime on the local community, offering a poignant examination of prejudice, violence, and the human capacity for empathy.
According to parents of the students, the school district was aware of the production, had the script months ago and had approved the production.
I hope the students will be able to perform this show and it’s a shame that the performance was postponed at, literally, the last minute.
In a time where discussions about LGBTQ+ rights and social justice are more relevant than ever, The Laramie Project remains a timely and necessary piece. It challenges us to think critically about the progress we've made and the work still left to do. Performing this play in schools, theaters, and communities not only honors Matthew Shepard’s legacy but also strengthens the resolve to stand against hate, ensuring that his story continues to inspire compassion and change.
This is a developing story that will be updated as new information becomes available.