Drama explores struggles against hate crime

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September 29, 2004

A startling drama exploring the struggles of a town coming to terms with a fatal gay bashing incident will be staged at McMaster this week.

The Laramie Project, a story about a tragic incident involving a 21-year-old University of Wyoming student lured to an isolated location in the desert and brutally murdered, will be performed Sept. 30 and Oct. 1 in McMaster's Robinson Memorial Theatre. The play is one of several events taking place during McMaster's “Month Without Violence”.

Hosted by the Anti-Violence Network, the play re-examines the nature of the intolerance that spurred the attack and is a good example of McMaster's fight against hate, says Carol Wood, the University's ecumenical chaplain. “The play sheds light on a community in the aftermath of a brutal hate crime. It causes them to raise questions about personal safety and vulnerability, particularly for the GLBT (Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender) community,” she says.

“One of The Laramie Project's enduring messages is that an attack on one is an attack on us all,” says Peter George, McMaster President. “It's a message that serves to further strengthen the McMaster community's ongoing campaign against hate and intolerance.”

Presented by Piccadilly Circus Theatre Company, The Laramie Project will take place both nights at 7 p.m. in McMaster's Robinson Memorial Theatre, Chester New Hall. Tickets are available at Campus Compass in the McMaster University Student Centre and the Picture Frame of Westdale, 1045 King Street West. Tickets are $10 for students and $15 for those who are waged.

On Monday, Oct. 4, the Anti-Violence Network will facilitate an open discussion and follow-up to the play in MUSC 230 from 4:30-5:30 p.m.
On Tuesday, Oct. 5, there will be a Candlelight Vigil for Non-Violence and Panel Discussion. The vigil will begin on the steps of Gilmour Hall at 5:30 p.m. and will conclude in the Nina de Villiers Garden. This will be followed by a panel discussion, “After the Violence: What's To Be Done Now?” at 7 p.m. in Divinity College, Rm. 136. Panel members include Priscilla de Villiers, Shano Mohan, Ronn Mattai and Krista Warnke. For further information call the Chaplaincy Office at ext. 24127 or OPIRG McMaster at ext. 27289.