Swindon Youth Theatre Presents THE LARAMIE PROJECT, Now thru April 3

Swindon Youth Theatre, run by Swindon's only professional theatre company, Sixth Sense Theatre, is in final rehearsals for its latest production.

The Laramie Project tells the story of the citizens of Laramie, USA in 1998 coming to terms with the death of Matthew Shepard, a university student found brutally beaten and tied to a farmer's fence. This play uses the actual words of those concerned with Matthew's death to create a moving and provocative portrayal of ordinary people torn apart and brought together by tragedy.

A company of Swindon Youth Theatre's oldest members work together as an ensemble to present more than 60 characters and more than 30 locations in a lively and fast-paced performance examining difference, equality, fear and acceptance.

Youth Theatre Director Aaron Parsons said, "This is a play about prejudice and tolerance, most teenagers feel like they don't belong at some point, or are scared to express themselves. The cast have really engaged with knowing that their lines are actual words said by somebody else. Matthew was gay and so the murder was denounced as a hate crime and brought major legal changes in America."

Cast member Kiara Wakeley, 18, said, "This play's completely different to anything we've done before. It's been really interesting and dynamic playing real people. I hope people will come and see all our hard work, they'll be surprised and moved by it."

The Laramie Project has been performed by schools, colleges and theatres all over the world as well as being used on exam syllabuses to teach acceptance and equality. An award-winning film version was released in 2002.

Performances (with a recommended guidance of 14yrs +) take place today 1st - Friday 3rd April at 7.30pm at Swindon Dance, Regent Circus, Swindon. Tickets are £12 and are available from the ticket office on 01793 601 700 or www.swindondance.org.uk. A donation from profits will be made to The Matthew Shepard Foundation, created by Matthew's parents to 'Erase Hate' in the world.

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