ASC Presents “The Laramie Project: 10 Years Later”

The R & J Project, in conjunction with the Adams State College Theatre Program, presents “The Laramie Project: 10 Years Later” on March 26 at 8 p.m. in the Main Stage Theatre.
Through a series of educational and public events, The R & J Project: Seeking Common Ground is examining the role of conflict, reconciliation, and forgiveness in our lives.  The project takes its name from Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet.”   As the capstone of the project, the ASC Theatre Program will present a stage production of this classic play that will run April 29-May 8.  John Taylor, professor of theatre and director of the project, said “Conflict can be healthy and a necessary aspect of a democratic society, but it can also divide and destroy.  How we choose to deal with our differences and disagreements will determine the kind of lives we lead as well as the character of our country.”
One of the project’s main events is a staged reading of the new play “The Laramie Project: 10 Years Later.”  The play is a sequel to “The Laramie Project” and explores what has happened in the years since University of Wyoming student Matthew Shepard was murdered.  Like the original play, this new work is a docudrama which uses the words of real people to create the text.
According to Taylor, “Through the testimonies of dozens of actual individuals, we are confronted with the fundamental dilemma of how we, as human beings, will choose to treat each another.  Will we choose love over hate?  Respect over violence?  Will we celebrate our differences and not fear them?”
The performance features a reunion of ASC Theatre alumni who starred in the 2002 production of “The Laramie Project.”  It will also include the ASC faculty on stage.
Taylor said, “For those of us who worked on the original production, it was a transcending moment as we experienced fully the purpose and power of live performance.  It is with pride and gratitude that I welcome back my former students for what promises to be an incredible evening of theatre.”
This one-night only performance is a fundraiser for to help purchase new seating for the Xperimental Theatre.  All seats are $20.  Tickets go on sale March 21 at 2 p.m.  Beginning on the 21, call 587-TIXX for reservations.