For Immediate Release: October 16, 2006
Media Contact: Zeek Weil, Drexel University Theater Program, 215.895.1275

Drexel University's Antoinette Westphal College of Media Arts and Design and the Department of Performing Arts Drexel Players present The Laramie Project. The performance will run Thursday through Saturday, November 16-18, at 8:00PM. There will also be a matinee performance Sunday, November 19, at 2:00PM. All performances will be held at the Mandell Theater, 33rd and Chestnut Streets, Drexel University.

In October 1998 Matthew Shepard, a twenty-one-year-old student, was severely beaten and left to die, tied to a fence in Laramie, Wyoming, because he was gay. Moisés Kaufman and fellow members of the Tectonic Theater Project made several trips to Laramie in the aftermath of the beating and during the trial of the two young men accused of killing Shepard. They conducted more than 200 interviews with the people of the town and constructed a deeply moving theatrical experience from these interviews and their own experiences. The Laramie Project is a breathtaking theatrical collage that explores the depths to which humanity can sink, and the heights of compassion we are also capable of. The show will be directed by Drexel Faculty member Nick Anselmo.

The Drexel Players and the Department of Performing Arts have partnered with AIDS Fund Philadelphia on this important project. A team of faculty, staff and students, including the cast and crew of The Laramie Project, participated in AIDS Walk Philly on October 15, 2006 and raised a total of $1000.00 for the organization. In addition, all proceeds from a special benefit performance of The Laramie Project at 8pm on Saturday, November 18, will be donated to Philly AIDS Fund. Philly AIDS Fund supports HIV/AIDS education, prevention, and services in the Delaware Valley Region by raising dollars and increasing public awareness about the impact of HIV on our communities.

The cost of the performance is $10 for the general public, $5 for ALL students and Drexel community members (valid ID required). If you are interested in a group rate, you must have a minimum of 10 people. The group rate will save participants $3 per ticket ($7 general public, $3 students). Please appoint a group leader to purchase and pick up the tickets from the box office. For more information regarding group tickets send an email to Bill Pollock at: Bill.Pollock@drexel.edu.

For more information contact the Department of Performing Arts at 215-895-ARTS (2787) or visit www.drexel.edu/westphal.

Performance Schedule:
Thursday, November 16 at 8pm
Friday, November 17 at 8pm
Saturday, November 18 at 8pm (AIDS Fund benefit performance)
Sunday, November 19 at 2pm

All performances will be held at the Mandell Theater, 33rd and Chestnut Streets, Drexel University.

The Department of Performing Arts at Drexel University exists to enhance the cultural literacy of all Drexel students by providing them with opportunities to study, create, perform, manage and experience dance, music, and theatre. To learn more, please visit www.drexel.edu/westphal.

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