Conquering hate with a Love Fest

Written by Moises Kaufman and the members of the Tectonic Theater Project, the play details the story of the city of Laramie after the ruthless murder of 21-year-old gay student Matthew Shepard in 1998. The production opened Wednesday and will run through Sunday.

"I want students to see themselves in the community of Laramie, Wyo. and understand that we are not actually that different at all,” Hillsdale High School Theatre Arts Director Allison Gamlen said.

But the reaction from one of the nation’s most controversial church groups makes the performance a little more complicated.

The church is well known for its anti-homosexual sentiment. Those who are unfamiliar with it should visit the Web site, or rather, read its domain name: godhatesfags.com. Everyone is entitled to his or her opinion — this is America. But really? At least we know where they stand.  

"It seems to me [Westboro] protest[s] the most controversial situations [it] can find — military funerals, a suicide epidemic, hate crime victims — in order to pour salt into the wounds of those already devastated by the misfortune at hand,” Hillsdale senior Andrew Bleich said.

The play, its cast and its crew hope to promote tolerance, awareness and diversity; love, not hate. Nonetheless, Westboro Baptist Church plans to protest. In response, Hillsdale students have organized a peaceful counter protest, a LoveFest.

"The counter protest is not so much about the Westboro Baptist Church itself as it is about standing up against injustice and empowering ourselves,” said Mariah Babin said, Hillsdale senior and co-organizer of the LoveFest.

The LoveFest will begin 6 p.m. Saturday, March 27 at Hillsdale with the introduction of Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays. Afterwards, the Silent Parade will begin, when students and attendees will hold hands and walk silently through the campus and parking lot where the Westboro gathering will be. The counter protest will end with a collaborative singing of "We shall overcome,” just before The Laramie Project begins at 7 p.m.

Not only does The Laramie Project highlight the ability of the cast and crew, but it touches on a topic sensitive to our society without saying what is right or wrong. The riveting story lets you decide for yourself; it gives you the tools to come to an understanding with yourself. I commend the Hillsdale drama department for its nerve and dedication to the truth.

"I would expect nothing less from our drama director, Mrs. Gamlen,” Hillsdale senior Jessica Durney said.

But Gamlen and the drama department are not alone. It should be noted that the Hillsdale administration is supportive of the play.

"They never asked me to re-consider or change anything, and I am very grateful for that,” Gamlen said.

The entire situation is being handled rationally and with poise. If anything, the controversy does not undermine the message of the play, but further conveys the spirit of acceptance and hope in the face of hateful slurs.

Westboro is a Christian group. It seems implausible that a religious group would perpetuate so much hate, but therein lies the tragic irony. Fortunately, it goes without saying that all Christians are not homophobes.  

"Jesus didn’t teach on conditional love for those who please us and see the world in the same way we do. He spoke of unconditional love,” said David Brown, a 2009 Hillsdale graduate and a Christian who does not affiliate himself with WBC.

If we are to progress, we must come together. We begin by learning to respect each other. Support Hillsdale. Attend the play. Show these dedicated students that we appreciate the step they have taken toward improving awareness in our community. The Laramie Project is more than just a spring drama.

"Art is supposed to expose underlying truths and make you question or strengthen your own beliefs, depending on what you find,” Babin said. "And The Laramie Project is doing just that.”

Alessandra Daskalakis is a senior at Burlingame High School. Student News can be reached at studentnews@smdailyjournal.com.