Campus Connection

The Laramie Project: A true story of tragedy, hope

The UWL Department of Theatre Arts presents The Laramie Project, written by Moisés Kaufman and members of the Tectonic Theatre Project. The Laramie Project will open on the 20th anniversary of Matthew Shepard’s death Friday, Oct. 12. Performances run at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 12-13 and 18-20 and matinees at 2 o'clock Sundays, Oct. 14 and 21. Matthew Shepard was a 21-year-old student at the University of Wyoming. On Oct. 6, 1998, Matthew was kidnapped, beaten and left to die tied to a fence in a Wyoming field. Why was he assaulted? Because he was gay. Matthew died from his injuries six days after the attack. The hate crime ignited a fiery debate that tore the small town of Laramie apart and sparked national and international debate about gay rights and gender identity. The Laramie Project focuses on the impact of Matthew Shepard on the Laramie community, the LGBTQ+ community and the world itself. The Tectonic Theatre Project conducted more than 200 interviews with the people of the town including those directly connected to the case to create a deeply moving theatrical experience. The Laramie Project is a theatrical collage that tells the story of the impact of Shepard’s murder on the community and his lasting legacy. The Laramie Project has been hailed “A pioneering work and a powerful stage event,” according to Time Magazine. Associated Press stated that it is “Astonishing. Not since Angels in America has a play attempted so much: nothing less than an examination of the American psyche at the end of the millennium.” IF YOU GO: WHO: Department of Theatre Arts WHAT: The Laramie Project, written by Moisés Kaufman and members of the Tectonic Theatre Project. WHEN: Oct. 12-13 and 18-20 at 7:30 p.m. and Oct. 14 and 21 at 2 p.m. WHERE: Toland Theater, Center for the Arts, 333 N. 16th St. COST: $6 for UWL students, $16 for other students and senior citizens, and $18 for others. Get tickets online. In person and phone sales begin Monday, Oct. 8, at 608.785.8522. Box office hours are 1-4:30 p.m. Mondays through Fridays and one hour prior to performances. CAST: Shane Flaningam, Morgan Gates, Lauren Hanson, Corrine Kessler, Natalie Leek, Mike Meyers, Gabe Ross, Leah Williams CREW: Greg Parmeter (Director), Alexis Wells (Stage Manager), Lexi Mitchell (Scenic Designer), Sarah Herkert (Lighting Designer), Rachael Reis (Sound Designer), Megan Morey (Technical Director), Sydney Smith (Projection/Video Designer)