The New Theatre’s The Laramie Project is a triumphant production that captures the utter tragedy of the death of Matthew Shepard, the worldwide shock and fallout and provides a timely reminder of how important it is to speak up for the voiceless.
It is at times hard to fathom that it has been 25 years since The Laramie Project first took to the stage and though countless strides have been made around Queer rights and hate crimes, the work still hits an emotive nerve. The innovative and intimate way in which the work was crafted allows the audience to connect with real people, seemingly in real time and feel like they are present as the events unfold.
Mark G Nagle leads the work with a firm directorial hand and a great deal of respect for the work and the ensemble. Verbatim work can often feel far too prescribed and lacking in unique creativity but Nagle weaves a freshness to the work and allows for the ensemble to sit in each moment and create authentic and relatable performances.
The absolute heart of this production is the ensemble – Stephen Allnutt, Michelle Robin Anderson, Gina Cohen, Ruba El-kaddoumi, Rayyan Khan, Rich Knighton, Samantha Lambert, John Michael Narres, Riya T and Charlie White are a near perfect band of performers who approach the script with a great deal of respect, admiration, heart and empathy.
Each performer on stage holds the gravitas of the work from the very moment the play begins, sincerely retelling the events of the story with almost symbiotic cohesion and remarkable talent.
David Marshall-Martin’s set provides a dynamic playground for the actors to work in, with multiple levels and hidden surprises keeping the work from feeling static. Tash McBride’s lighting design keeps pace and effectively uses light and shade to underpin the emotional journey without delving into cliche. Alexander Sussman’s composition is a haunting soundscape that transports the audience to the fields of Wyoming – somehow capturing the aural beauty of the night sky.
It may have been 27 years since the death of Matthew Shepard but with the terrifying rise of ultra conservative politics, The Laramie Project is a very real reminder that we must not backslide from progress and push against those that would oppress.
The Laramie Project
New Theatre, 542 King Street, Newtown
Season continues to 1 November 2025
Information and Bookings: www.newtheatre.org.au
Images: The Laramie Project – photos by Chris Lundie
Review: Gavin Roach