New York, NY September 26, 2018……Twenty years ago this month, the eyes of the nation were drawn to Laramie, Wyoming after the hate crime murder of Matthew Shepard. In the following weeks, the Matthew Shepard Foundation was founded and members of Tectonic Theater Project traveled from New York to Laramie to conduct interviews with the people of the town. These interviews formed the basis of "The Laramie Project," which has become one of the most performed contemporary plays in the world. On September 24, 2018, the Matthew Shepard Foundation and Tectonic Theater Project presented LARAMIE: A LEGACY, a benefit reading of The Laramie Project to honor the progress made over the last two decades to erase hate, raising over $100,000 for the two organizations.
Tectonic Theater Project founder and Artistic Director Moises Kaufman said: We were honored to partner with the Matthew Shepard Foundation to revisit 'Laramie.' Being with the Tectonic company and Judy & Dennis Shepard was a powerful reminder of the continued impact of Matt's murder and all that came after. We are humbled to play our part in this important, national dialogue."
Judy Shepard, Founder of the Matthew Shepard Foundation, said: "Last night's performance was a testament to the humanity we continue to fight for. To have a packed room with all of these celebrities and special guests and longtime supporters of our work? We wouldn't have expected that 20 years later. This performance was once in a lifetime, and we are so thankful."
LARAMIE: A LEGACY was co-directed by Moises Kaufman and Jimmy Maize and starred Mary Louise Parker, Michael Emerson, Billy Porter, Samira Wiley, Randy Rainbow, Adam Rippon, Asia Kate Dillon, Danny Burstein, Andrew Keenan-Bolger, Scott Barrow, and Purva Bedi along with the original cast of "The Laramie Project" - Stephen Belber, Amanda Gronich, Mercedes Herrero, Andy Paris, Greg Pierotti, Barbara Pitts, and Kelli Simpkins. Dennis Shepard made a surprise appearance in the final scene to read the moving statement he made during Aaron McKinney's trial 20 years ago.
"The Laramie Project" is written by Moises Kaufman and the members of Tectonic Theater Project, with head writer Leigh Fondakowski, and associate writers Stephen Belber, Greg Pierotti, Stephen Wangh. Dramaturgs: Amanda Gronich, Sarah Lambert, John McAdams, Maude Mitchell, Andy Paris, Barbara Pitts McAdams, and Kelli Simpkins.
Tectonic Theater Project is dedicated to developing innovative works that explore theatrical language and form, fostering an artistic dialogue with audiences on the social, political, and human issues that affect us all. In service to this goal, Tectonic supports readings, workshops, and full theatrical productions, as well as training for students around the country in their play-making technique, Moment Work. Www.tectonictheaterproject.org
The Matthew Shepard Foundation's longstanding mission is to erase hate by replacing it with understanding, compassion and acceptance. Through local, regional and national outreach, we empower individuals to find their voice to create change and challenge communities to identify and address hate that lives within their schools, neighborhoods and homes.
Our work is an extension of Matt's passion to foster a more caring and just world. We share his story and embody his vigor for civil rights to change the hearts and minds of others to accept everyone as they are. For more information go to www.matthewshepard.org .
From a press release