The Laramie Project
By Moises Kaufman and the Members of Tectonic Theater Project
Directed by Eli Newsom
Feb 3 – 12, 2012
On October 7, 1998, Matthew Shephard, a young gay man, was kidnapped, severely beaten and left to die tied to a fence on the outskirts of Laramie, Wyoming. This act of brutality and hate shocked the nation. The Laramie Project is about the reaction to this murder, which was denounced as a hate crime motivated by homophobia. The play brought attention to the lack of hate crime laws in various states, including Wyoming.
Matthew Shephard’s death became a national symbol of intolerance. This single event was examined within the framework of a portrait of Laramie by company members of Tectonic Theatre Project and director Moisés Kaufman, who spent a year interviewing the town’s affected citizens. Out of those candid interviews comes this play—a riveting, deeply moving and inspiring theatre event.
“The Laramie Project is a terrific piece of theatre, history, and life… Nothing short of stunning.” — New York Magazine.
The Laramie Project inspired the 2002 HBO film of the same name, featuring a stable of Hollywood celebrities portraying the residents in the play. Additionally, ten years after Matthew’s murder, members of the Tectonic Theater Project returned to Laramie to conduct follow-up interviews with those featured in the play. These interviews became a companion piece entitled, The Laramie Project: Ten Years Later, debuting on the 11th anniversary of Matthew’s death. Bridgeport Theatre Company will be presenting a staged reading of The Laramie Project: Ten Years Later after the final performance of The Laramie Project on February 12.
Featuring:
Joan Barere, Steve Benko, Gary Blomberg, Drew Camputaro, Jason Coombs, Katy Curtis, Roger Dykeman, Kim Furano, Molly Gaumer, Jessie Gilbert, Linda Gilmore, Chad Kinsman, Emma LaPlace, Kaite Laurie, Gabriel Morrow, Jo Pelkey, Catherine Pelkey, Kitty Robertson, Johnny Shea, Reverend Sara Smith, Dan Travers, Peter Wood
The Laramie Project will run for 6 performances ONLY Feb 3-Feb 12
Fridays and Saturdays @8pm Feb 3,4,10,&11
Sunday @5pm Feb5
Sunday @4pm Feb 12
BTC will also present a special staged reading of The Laramie Project: Ten Years Later on Sun, Feb 12 at 7pm.
Tickets are $23 for Adults and $18 for Student/Seniors (ID required)
To Purchase tickets lof onto www.BridgeportTheatre.org or Call: 800.838.3006
BTC offers a concessions stand that includes snacks and a cash bar with beer, wine and soft drinks. Due to the serious nature of the play, eating during the performance is discouraged.
Bridgeport Theatre Company www.bridgeporttheatre.org
Bridgeport Theatre Company is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization and was founded in May 2010 by a group of Connecticut-based performing artists. For additional information about Bridgeport Theatre Company and directions to the theatre, visit www.BridgeportTheatre.org.
