Content warning: references to abuse and suicide
Robin Gerber didn’t write “The Shot” with UNC COMM alumna and Emmy nominated actress Sharon Lawrence in mind.
But there’s no denying how well Lawrence fits the role of Washington Post Goliath Katharine Graham; with her communications and journalism background, as well as a history with Playmakers Repertory Company and decades of success as a professional actress, Lawrence is uniquely equipped to take on the persona of one of the most famous women in media here at her alma mater.
While Graham’s professional story is one of great renown, “The Shot” captures more of the intricacies of her personal life, one ridden by sexism and harmful relationships. Her mother was hard on her throughout her childhood, discounting her accomplishments and her father, the then head of the Washington Post, refused to pass the paper down to his daughter, despite her intelligence and qualification, instead passing it down to her husband, Phillip Graham, who suffered from bipolar disorder. While Phillip and Katharine loved each other, Phil’s bipolar symptoms continued to worsen throughout their marriage, causing him to be abusive toward Katharine, and eventually, to take his own life.
In the wake of her husband’s tragic death, Katharine inherited the Washington Post, where she oversaw the decision to publish the Pentagon Papers and was constantly being targeted by the Nixon administration for the stories her writers produced.
“I didn’t know much about the protagonist and her life, let alone the domestic side of her life before her career success,” COMM student Zoe Wynns said. “I think it’s super important that that story is out there in the world for people to see and understand and really be encouraged by her success amidst some of the hardest circumstances a person could go through.”
“The Shot” ran from January 7-14 at Playmakers Repertory Company; Lawrence drew crowds, selling out each performance, causing more seats to be added due to the high levels of interest. There’s no doubt that Lawrence’s presence and legacy lives on at UNC.
“Sharon’s performance was incredible. Honestly I’m in awe as to how she memorized two straight hours of screenplay,” Hollywood Internship Program student Kiran Garcha said. “That takes talent.”
“The way [Sharon] could get in character for all these different characters, even though it was only her was absolutely amazing,” Wynns said. “I forgot several times that it was a one woman play because she had such a great range. I could tell she really cared about the content and the story too.”
COMM students spoke highly of Lawrence after getting the chance to meet her following her performances.
“I was lucky enough to meet her last summer as well as after the play and she’s always so kind and willing to share a helpful word,” Wynns said. “In the few minutes me and some other students had to talk to her she gave us some really great resources for each of the things we were interested in, which was super sweet.”
In the end, COMM students were highly complimentary of both the show’s themes and Lawrence’s performance, emphasizing that Katharine Graham’s was a story that needed to be heard.
“The story of “The Shot” is such an important one to tell, especially since it’s one that few have heard of,” COMM student Peyton Jones said. “I myself wasn’t familiar with Katharine Graham or her significance until I watched the production. Sharon Lawrence did so much to make her story known through her performance. She embodied Graham amazingly, bringing life and passion to the role, and giving all of us an intimate glance into the life and inner workings of a woman who deserves to be remembered.”
The Department of Communication would like to congratulate Sharon on her outstanding performances and wish her all the best in her future endeavors.