I recently saw Troupe 1096’s production of “The Laramie Project: Ten Years Later” at Durango High School. I encourage everyone to go see it – and to hold its heaviness and its beauty in both your gut and your mind.
This is material for thinking people in times like these. Its origin story – the unconscionable murder of Matthew Shepard in 1998 – is worth remembering and honoring in its own right. But this work, a documentary sequel of sorts, adds a new layer of meaning to Matthew’s story and to America’s. It explores the fragility of truth and how we collectively remember and relay our history. It makes you grapple with the human willingness to look away from hate-fueled violence and close our eyes to uncomfortable facts.
As so many adults in our society do just that, these young people are making art for their community that holds us accountable to the truth and won’t let us look away.
I commend teacher-directors Benjamin Mattson and Jenny Fitts Reynolds for their courage in selecting this work and guiding their students through its thoughtful production. My heart is at once broken and full.
Go see it, Durango.
Jessica McCallum
Durango
