Why did Moises Kaufman choose not to have Matthew Shepard appear as a character in the play?

Moises Kaufman chose not to have Matthew Shepard appear as a character in the play "The Laramie Project" to emphasize the impact of his absence and the broader community response to his tragic murder. By focusing on the voices of the people in Laramie and their reactions, Kaufman aimed to highlight the societal issues surrounding hate crimes and the complexities of human emotions in the wake of tragedy. This approach also allows the audience to engage with the story on a more profound level, as they reflect on the implications of Shepard's life and death through the perspectives of others.