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The First Year Book Program's 2002-2003 selection was The Laramie Project by Moises Kaufman. The book recreates the efforts of a New York theatre troupe to shed light on a western town's, Laramie, loss of innocence following a hate crime perpetrated on a 21-year-old University of Wyoming student. Like a pebble in apparently still water, the murder of Mattew Shepard creted ripples of concern and controversy accross Anmerican society. This hate crime shook up the nation and made us confront homophobia and intolerance in every community.

When Moises Kaufman and the Teutonic Theatre Project interviewed the residents of Laramie about the crime, they captured a significant moment in history representing many opinions and responses that represent a broad espectrum of positions. The subsequent success of the play reflects the power of the story and the importance of public debate through theatre.

For more on Mr. Moises Kaufman: * The Diamondback's Interview with Mr. Kaufman * HBO movie: "The Laramie Project" * The Tectonic Theater Project, Inc