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Fighting Chance Productions presents "I keep wondering the same thing that I did when I first saw him in the hospital. What would he have become? How could he have changed his piece of the world to make it better? Matt officially died in a hospital in Fort Collins, Colorado. He actually died on the outskirts of Laramie, tied to a fence." October 12, 1998: A nation is plunged into controversy over the violent beating death of Matthew Shepard, a young University of Wyoming student. When news emerges of the discovery of a young man tied to a fence and left for dead, Shepard becomes a symbol of human rights for one simple reason: Matthew Shepard is gay. Over candlelight vigils, TV debates and massive rallies, the small town of Laramie comes to terms with religion, compassion, and the challenges of tolerance. Not long after the fact, a group of actors from New York City arrive in Laramie, Wyoming to interview its residents and uncover the events leading up to Shepard's death. Using interview transcripts of the resident's own words, the group creates a groundbreaking piece of theatre which captures the real story of life under the Laramie sky. Ten years later, Fighting Chance Productions takes on Moises Kauffman and the Tectonic Theatre Project's The Laramie Project in East Vancouver, one of BC's most vibrant gay communities. Even with a decade passed, the dialogue is not yet closed for Artistic Director Ryan Mooney. "Why is it that attacks on homosexuals, whether physical or political, still make our front pages?" asks Mooney. "Closing the discussion on human rights of any kind is a dangerous decision, and The Laramie Project is a relevant and engrossing way of keeping that discussion open and alive. The people of Laramie speak with their own words in this piece. These are the voices of our politicians, our neighbors, and ourselves." Hot on the heels of the smash hit Pick of the Fringe 2008 production of The Musical of Musicals: The Musical, Fighting Chance Productions is proud to present The Laramie Project. This production will feature original material from the Tectonic Theatre Project blog and all-new music created by the cast. The Laramie Project is directed by Ryan Mooney and Stage Managed by Tamara Harvey. Featuring Matthew Clarke, Christopher Cook, Ira Cooper, Sherry Lynn Friesen, Anna Hassard, Matthew MacCaull, Jeff McMahan, Jean Nicolai, Alicia Olive, Keri Smith, Spencer Snashall, and Nadia Von Hahn.
Fighting Chance Production's The Laramie Project runs November 26 to December 6, Tuesday through Saturdays at 8PM and Saturdays at 2 PM. Tickets are $18 for adults, $15 for students and seniors with 2-for-1 shows on Tuesdays. The Laramie Project will show at the Havana Theatre at 1212 Commercial Drive. |
