On March 8 (Thurs) the Strathmore Theatrical Arts Group (STAG) opens its 52nd annual season of plays with a powerful American drama “The Laramie Project” by Moisés Kaufman and the Members of Tectonic Theater Project of New York (directed for STAG by Kris Weber).
In October 1998, a 21-year old student at the University of Wyoming was kidnapped, severely beaten, and left to die. His battered body was not discovered until the next day, and he died several days later in a local hospital. His name was Matthew Shepard, and he was the victim of this assault because he was gay.
Moisés Kaufman and some members of Tectonic Theater Project spent months in Laramie interviewing the locals about their reactions to the crime. The result is The Laramie Project, a breathtaking theatrical collage that explores the depths to which humanity can sink, and the heights of compassion of which we are also capable.
This play premiered in 2000 in Denver and has been performed throughout the USA, including in Laramie itself (in November 2002). The plays success led to HBO Films commissioning a film version in 2002, scripted and directed by Moisés Kaufman. The play has begun to be used in some US schools to teach about prejudice and tolerance, and is also a text in many English schools.
Kris Webers cast includes Peter Prenga, Carolyn Cusack, Jeanne Snider, Wil Greenway, Hannah Williams, Kate Mulqueen, Drew Mason and Ivan Nevill, each of whom plays several different characters.
The season runs March 810 (Thurs-Sat) at 8pm; March 11 (Sund) at 2pm; March 14-17 (Wed-Sat) at 8pm.
Venue: Strathmore Community Centre, cnr Loeman and Napier Streets,Strathmore. [Melway map 16 H10]
Tickets: $17 ($13 conc.)
BOOKINGS: 9379 5348
For more information check here
STAG presents “The Laramie Project” by special arrangement with Hal Leonard Australia Pty Ltd, on behalf of Dramatists Play Service Inc New York and is STAGs entry for the VDL Awards 2007.
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