Leading up to 'The Laramie Project,' UM-Flint to screen 'Matt Shepard is a Friend of Mine' April 2

It can be easy to forget that tragedy often lies at the heart of progress. Matthew Shepard's 1998 murder in Laramie, Wyoming, served as a lightning rod for federal legislation and awareness regarding hate crimes and enhanced protections for the LGBTQIA+ community, making him an icon for people around the world who would have never known him otherwise. 

But Shepard's life shouldn't be defined by its tragic ending. In support of the upcoming University of Michigan-Flint Theatre production of "The Laramie Project," the College of Arts, Sciences & Education is collaborating with the Center for Gender and Sexuality to host a screening of the documentary film "Matt Shepard is a Friend of Mine," 5-7 p.m., April 2, in Michigan Rooms C-D. 

"It may be surprising to some of the older folks in our community, but Matthew's story isn't commonly known among our current students. As a queer person growing up in Colorado, I learned about Matthew's tragic death at an early age, and he was frequently spoken about in my high school," said Hilary Murmers, LGBTQIA+ coordinator for CGS. "Bringing his story to our students has been surprisingly emotional for me, as I've worked to support the production this semester. I hope this documentary will bring another dimension to the experience, both to the students developing and performing in the production and the audience."

CGS has been an integral part of bringing "The Laramie Project" to life, as they hosted a reading of the script in January to encourage students across the campus to audition. "I was deeply emotionally affected by just the unpracticed readings of portions of the script. I know students involved in the production find it life-changing and life-giving," Murmers said.

For Janet Haley, associate professor of theatre and director of the stage production, the screening is an opportunity to invite the community to engage more deeply with Shepard's story.

"I'm looking forward to this evening of art and conversation as 'The Laramie Project' company of more than 20 students from a variety of majors and minors comes together with the greater campus community to learn more about Matthew through the lens of his friends and family," said Haley. "'The Laramie Project' differs from most UM-Flint mainstage theatre productions, as its conceptual process is deeply rooted in the student company's perspectives, questions and values. Viewing this film with the community and hearing their responses will influence our aesthetic and narrative choices for the final touches on design and staging. As the production's director, I'm infinitely inspired by, and grateful for, the students' collaborative, interdisciplinary skills and passions, which I hope will inspire their own future creative, community endeavors."

Attendees will watch the documentary at the event, discuss their responses, make art together, and enjoy free food.

"During a time when LGBTQIA+ communities are facing renewed political attacks, it is especially important that we highlight our history," Murmers said. "'The Laramie Project' centers on the community response to hate crimes, and its lessons reverberate through the present as violence against the transgender community continues to grow. Violent political rhetoric and erasure feed the fires of hatred, and I hope this production will meaningfully impact all the members of the UM-Flint community."

To learn more and RSVP for the Art & Movie Night on April 2, please visit the UM-Flint Events calendar. 

"The Laramie Project" theatre production runs April 17-19 at the UM-Flint Theatre, located beside French Hall. More information and tickets can be found here.