DEPARTMENT OF THEATRE AND STAGE II AT EAST STROUDSBURG UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA TO PRESENT THE LARAMIE PROJECT NOVEMBER 27-30 AND DECEMBER 1-2

EAST STROUDSBURG, Pa.-In 1998, the brutal beating death of Matthew Shepard, a gay man, prompted Moisés Kaufman and the members of the Tectonic Theatre Project to travel to Laramie, Wyoming, the murder site, to talk with members of the community about the crime and the trial of the two men accused of the murder.

Out of material gathered in six trips over one and one-half years, the group crafted The Laramie Project which will be presented November 27-30 and December 1-2 by East Stroudsburg University's Department of Theatre and Stage II, the student dramatic organization.

Curtain time for the drama is 8 p.m. November 27-30 and December 1; and 2 p.m. December 2. All performances are at the Smith-McFarland Theatre of the university's Fine and Performing Arts Center, Normal and Marguerite streets, East Stroudsburg. Because of sophisticated content and adult language, this drama is recommended for older high school students and adults.

In the aftermath of Shepard's murder, Kaufman wrote that "the nation launched into a dialogue that brought to the surface how we think and talk about homosexuality, sexual politics, education, class violence, privileges and rights, and the difference between tolerance and acceptance.

"The experience of working on The Laramie Project has been one of great sadness, great beauty and, perhaps, most importantly, great revelations - about our nation, about our ideas, about ourselves," he added.

Susan P. O'Hearn, chairperson of the Theatre Department, is directing the production. Paul W. McKay is scenic designer and Erick Creegan is lighting designer.

General admission is $9; $7 for senior citizens, faculty and staff; and $5 for students. Reservations for The Laramie Project may be made by calling 570-422-3483, and pressing option 4 and then option 2. All reservations will be held until five minutes before curtain time. Tickets will also be available at the door.

For more information, please call the Fine and Performing Arts Events Line at 570-422-3483.