It was crafted from interviews with the townspeople of Laramie, Wyoming, in the aftermath of the shocking murder of 21-year-old gay man, Matthew Shepard. For one night only in Sydney, an all-star cast will bring Matthew Shepard’s story to life in a staged reading of the show.
The events of Matthew’s murder would go on to propel momentous social change, inspiring The Matthew Shepard And James Byrd Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act 2009. This act expanded the US federal hate crime law, to include crimes based on a victim’s sexual orientation, gender identity or disability.
The staged reading, which stars Nicholas Brown, Casey Donovan, Benjamin Law, Zindzi Okenyo, Tony Sheldon and Lyndon Watts, will be directed by Dean Bryant. To mark the anniversary, Matthew’s father Dennis Shepard will join the cast, delivering the powerful speech he made in the Wyoming courtroom.
Following the performance will be an on-stage Q&A with Dennis Shepard and the project’s Creative Team.
All proceeds from tickets will go to the Tectonic Theater Project Playwriting Scholarship for an Australian LGBTQIA+ playwright, and the Matthew Shepard Foundation.
‘The Laramie Project’ will play City Recital Hall (Sydney) 14 May.
