The Laramie Project

Just about a week and a half ago, my friends and I saw an extremely interesting play based on a tragedy called the Laramie Project at the Albany Civic Theater. The play is based on a true story about a gay teenager, Mathew Shephard, who was beaten to death and tied to a fence. The play draws on many interviews conducted by the theatre company with the townspeople in Laramie, Wyoming and other people involved in the incident.

One may ask why I would want to spend a weekend night with my friends to see such a serious play.  The main reason why we felt so compelled to watch the play was because it featured someone we have known for a long time, Mr. Kevin Barhydt. Mr. Barhydt has a son, Kentaro, who is our long time friend at Niskayuna High School. Since we have known Kentaro for a while, we are well-acquainted with his father through various car pools and other social gatherings. While Mr. Barhydt works as an IT Specialist at Union College; unknown to us, he also has a hidden talent as an actor. When my friends and I first heard about this, we became very interested to see him act, so we immediately reserved tickets to see the play.

While watching the play, we were completely blown away by Mr. Barhydt's performance. He played Mathew Shepherd's father, Dennis, who had very emotionally powerful lines regarding his son's death. I was particularly astounded how a normally cheery man could be so earnest and despondent in a play; it was like seeing a completely different side of him. When Mr. Barhydt began to weep in the play, his crying face was very believable (although just the slightest bit comical; this could be because I know him). Overall, I was moved by his touching performance. When the play ended, I immediately sprang out of my seat and applauded exuberantly. I now recognize Mr. Barhydt as an exceptionally talented actor, and I look forward to seeing him perform again in the future.