‘The Laramie Project’ tells a true story with courage and authenticity
LAWRENCE — University Theatre will present "The Laramie Project," a documentary play about the 1998 murder of Matthew Shepard and how it affected a western college town, April 24-26 at the William Inge Memorial Theatre in Murphy Hall at the University of Kansas.
This play incorporates two years of interviews that Tectonic Theater Company members conducted with Laramie, Wyoming, residents. The KU production will be directed by Arlowe Sue Clementine, a doctoral student and scholar/artist in the KU Department of Women, Gender & Sexuality Studies.
Audience members will be exposed to content containing adult language and themes. Anti-LGBTQ+ slurs are used by some characters. This unique retelling shows community members reckoning with their own perceptions and biases. Two 10-minute intermissions and a retreat space will be provided for any patrons having difficulty with the subject matter.
“‘The Laramie Project’ offers us a glimpse into a community as they are responding and reacting to great violence and tragedy. My hope is that the show offers folks moments of reflection and connection with the material and beyond,” Clementine said. “We have been working hard to bring this story to Lawrence in 2026, and I am so proud of the time, care and passion our students have brought to this process. You do not want to miss it.”
Tickets to “The Laramie Project” can be purchased via the show's web page, in person noon-5 p.m. at the box office in Murphy Hall, or by calling 785-864-3982. The opening night performance is sold out.
Creative team
The creative team is rounded out by Drue Bowen, a sophomore in theatre design from Overland Park, and Chloe Pennington, a junior in theatre design from Shawnee, as co-scenic and costume designers; Laney Jasper, a junior in theatre design from Richardson, Texas, as lighting designer; Darryl Brundidge, a senior in theatre from Pensacola, Florida, as associate director; Eva Elizabeta Sostak, a doctoral student in the Department of Theatre & Dance, as assistant dramaturg; and Camryn Purtle, a sophomore in theatre design from Harrisonville, Missouri, as stage manager. Faculty members serving the production are Jane Barnette as dramaturg and Markus Potter as voice and text coach. The Laramie Project is a workshop production, and therefore some of the scenic elements from the University Theatre’s previous production are being used.
The cast is composed of Conner Booton, a sophomore in theatre and music from Edgerton; Lakyn Bradley, a sophomore in pre‑nursing from Overland Park; Isabelle Fonte, a sophomore in exercise science and pre‑physical therapy from Mahomet, Illinois; Taylor Suzanah Getz, a senior in theatre performance from Santa Clarita, California; Willow Graves, a freshman in history from Manhattan; Jachelle Jones, a sophomore in finance from Olathe; James Kensinger, a senior in theatre from Topeka; Cade Nelson, a sophomore in theatre and applied behavioral science from Topeka; Syd Olson, a senior in theatre and English from Wichita; Mallory Pyka, a freshman in theatre performance from Highlands Ranch, Colorado; Evan Sandau, a freshman in music production and technology from Kansas City, Missouri; Marek Skeeba, a senior in theatre performance from Oskaloosa; Sean Smith, a freshman in film & media studies from Littleton, Colorado; Adelle Spiess, a freshman in theatre and environmental studies from Lawrence; Morgan Tate, a junior in theatre performance from Shawnee; and Cytlahli Valle, a senior in theatre performance from Belle Glade, Florida.
About the director
Arlowe Sue Clementine has over a decade of experience in public education settings promoting the well-being of queer and trans people through sexual health advocacy, youth advocacy, and elder care and support. Their work is grounded in intergenerational healing and utilizes archival education, storytelling, art-based practices and public performance as methods of connection. Their current research involves resurrections and other forms of public ritual to recover LGBTQ+ narratives that have been under-researched and under-recorded, particularly in the heartland of America (Oklahoma, Kansas, Arkansas, and Missouri). Clementine’s public-facing work has been highlighted at drag shows, youth-led conferences, community centers and academic conferences that support work in public history, women & gender studies, religious studies, performance studies and folklore. "The Laramie Project" serves as their directorial debut.
The University Theatre is a production wing of the Department of Theatre & Dance, offering public productions during the academic year. Established in 1923, the Department of Theatre merged with the Department of Dance in 2018. The University Theatre season is funded in part by Student Senate fees. Additional support is provided by Truity Credit Union.
The department is one of three departments in the School of the Arts. As part of the KU College of Liberal Arts & Sciences, the School of the Arts offers fresh possibilities for collaboration between the arts and the humanities, sciences, social sciences, international and interdisciplinary studies.