The Sidekick Players Club opened its 17th season this week with The Laramie Project.
One of the most performed plays in America today, The Laramie Project delves into the horrific events that took place shortly after midnight on Oct. 7, 1998 in Laramie, Wyoming, which would become one of the most notorious anti-gay hate crimes in American history.
The life and death of Matthew Shepard changed the way people talk about, and deal with, hate in America and around the world. Since his death, Shepard's legacy has challenged and inspired millions of individuals to erase hate in all its forms.
Shepard died on Oct. 12, 1998 at the age of 21 at Poudre Valley Hospital in Fort Collins, Colorado after being attacked and beaten. He was targeted because of his sexual orientation.
The company's Oct. 12 performance is the 15th anniversary of Shepard's death.
The Laramie Project opened Thursday and runs until Saturday, Oct. 26 at the Tsawwassen Arts Centre, 1172-56th St. Performances are Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings at 8 p.m., with a matinee on Sunday, Oct. 20 at 2 p.m. Tickets are $18 for adults and $15 for seniors (60+). Call 604-288-2415 to reserve as seating is limited.
