The University of Arizona School of Theatre, Film & Television (TFTV) is proud to open its 2023/24 theatre season with a production of The Laramie Project.
The production will mark the 25th anniversary of the death of Matthew Shepard, the university student whose murder in Laramie, Wyoming, became one of the highest-profile hate crimes of its time.
Written and performed by members of Tectonic Theater Project, The Laramie Project is drawn from over 200 recorded interviews the members conducted with the citizens of Laramie after Shepard’s death. The resulting play – a portrait of an American town forced to confront itself – helped to change the way hate and love and acceptance is discussed in this country.
The Laramie Project will be directed by TFTV Assistant Professor Greg Pierotti. As a member of Tectonic Theater Project, Pierotti is one of the play’s co-writers and an original cast member.
Matthew Shepard’s parents, Judy and Dennis Shepard, co-founders of the Matthew Shepard Foundation and leading advocates for LGBTQ rights, will travel to Tucson for the anniversary performance. They will take part in a public conversation about the legacy and impact of their son on Oct. 19 in an event co-hosted by TFTV and the University of Arizona LBGTQ+ Institute (formerly known as the Institute for LGBT Studies). They will also take part in a post-performance discussion on Thursday, Oct. 20.
