The Laramie Project Being Presented at ENMU from Sept. 25-27

Date: 9/23/2003
Contact: Wendel Sloan at 505.562.2253
Reporter: Britt Hochhausler

PORTALES--"Hate crime" is a phrase that stirs up strong feelings among most
people. The Department of Theatre and Dance at Eastern New Mexico University
will present a play on Sept. 25-27 at 8 p.m. in the Studio Theatre that
deals with one of the most famous hate crimes in recent years.

Matthew Shepherd was a resident of Laramie, Wyo., who was brutally beaten by
two men in October 1998. He never regained consciousness and died five days
later. The case spotlighted hate crimes about homosexuals.

The Laramie Project was written by Moises Kaufman and members of the
Tectonic Theatre Project after they went to Laramie to interview residents
about the Matthew Shepherd case.

The play serves as a senior recital for Laura Fernandez, a graduate from Del
Norte High School. It is an ensemble cast with nine actors. Laura plays a
total of 14 roles in the play. It is directed by Ms. Janeice Scarbrough,
associate professor of theatre.

"Students should see this play because it is based on a real event that
focused worldwide attention on the subject of hate crimes," Ms. Scarbrough
said.

Tickets are $3 and are available at the door after 7 p.m. on the nights of
the performances. For more information, contact Ms. Scarbrough at
505.562.2092.