Theatre Central will host three performances of “The Laramie Project,” a show based on events surrounding the 1998 murder of Matthew Shepard. Performances are Nov. 9-11 at 7:30 p.m. in Central’s Kruidenier Center.
Directed by senior student Eric Bridges, the show highlights Shepard’s well-documented murder near Laramie, Wyo., where he was beaten, tied to a fence and abandoned because he was gay. Shepard’s murder and the ensuing trial were featured prominently in national news coverage.
One month after Shepard’s death, playwright Moises Kaufman and members of the Tectonic Theatre Project traveled to Laramie and conducted over 200 interviews with residents. Based on those interviews, along with the reflections of Tectonic Theatre Project members, “The Laramie Project” is a picture drawn of the town, its inhabitants and their reaction to the murder and resultant media frenzy.
Bridges selected the play to show fellow students what can happen when hate takes over a small community, he said.
Tickets are available at the information booth in Maytag Student Center or by calling 641-628-9000. Cost is $5 for adults or $3 for students and seniors. Admission is free with a Central ID.
