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Act 1: Journal Entries
Themes
Key
LitCharts assigns a color and icon to each theme in The Laramie Project, which you can use to track the themes throughout the work.
Homophobia, Tolerance, and Acceptance
Violence, Punishment, and Justice
Media and Community
Religion, Morality, and Prejudice
Theater and Representation
Summary
Analysis
In this moment, Rebecca Hilliker talks about her fear when Moisés Kaufman contacted her about his theater project. After her initial negative reaction, however, Rebecca decided that, after all the “negative closure” the town and the university had already had, it would be good for them to open the topic back up in a productive way. Rebecca remarks that she admires how her students are so open, honest, and independent in their views, saying how, compared to students in other parts of the country, her Wyoming students are more expressive of their controversial opinions. Rebecca then recommends that the company talk with Jedadiah Schultz.
Like many of the playwrights themselves, Rebecca Hilliker initially hesitated to take part in the project. Rebecca’s ultimate agreement and her belief that the play could provide more positive closure for the community suggests that she believes wholeheartedly in the cathartic power of theater. As head of the university’s theater department, Rebecca would be especially aware of the potential for using art to create productive conversations.
Themes
