Green Room Staging of THE LARAMIE PROJECT Returns to Mockingbird Theatre, Now thru Nov 11

Mockingbird Theatre brings to Melbourne audiences the return of the acclaimed Green Room award-winning staging of The Laramie Project by Moisés Kaufman and Members of The Tectonic Theatre Project.

Premiering in 2005 to a sold-out season at Chapel Off Chapel, director Chris Baldock (Shining City, Love! Valour! Compassion!) with an all-new cast of some of Melbourne’s best actors portraying over 90 characters, bring this must-see event back by popular demand.

In 1998, a 21-year-old gay student was kidnapped, severely beaten and left to die, tied to a fence on the outskirts of Laramie, Wyoming. His name was Matthew Shepard. A New York Theatre Company travelled to Laramie to chronicle the life of the town in the year after the murder. The result is a breathtaking collage that explores the depths to which humanity can sink and the compassionate heights to which we can climb. A powerful stage event that will touch and change those who witness this theatrical masterpiece.

Mockingbird Theatre is a new and passionate Melbourne-based independent theatre company founded by Artistic Director Chris Baldock and Executive Producer Kris Weber, that has been established to bring discerning audiences the best text-based contemporary and classic plays from around the world. Utilising the talents of some of Melbourne's best established and emerging theatrical talents, Mockingbird Theatre's fervent aim is to ensure that its audiences are moved, thrilled and entertained. And what better way to launch The company than with the anticipated return of this modern masterpiece.

Featuring Logie nominee (Rescue Special Ops) and Underbelly star Luke McKenzie fresh from his acclaimed performance in The McNeil Project at 45Downstairs, and Adam Ward, one of the hottest actors on the Melbourne independent scene at present, having earned rave reviews in such productions as Sweet Phoebe and Hamletmachine since arriving from England last year where he appeared in London's Burning and Casualty. Joining them are the multi-talented Maggie Chretién, Tamara Donnellan, Christian Heath, Debra Low, Scott Middleton and Sarah Reubens.

Says director Baldock "The time seems right for Laramie's return to Melbourne's main stage. There has been a groundswell of demand from people to see the production again after the Green Room Award win for Best Independent Production. The stars have finally aligned for its return. I'm thrilled that Chapel Off Chapel are so excited about the production coming home where it belongs and am very excited with the all-new cast I have assembled. Their passion for the piece is infectious and I know their remarkable talents are going to bring something fresh and vibrant to the play. There are so many Melbourne theatre goers who have been waiting to finally see what all the fuss is about, including those who have only seen Red Stitch's wonderful sequel and many others who are keen to embrace the power of this play all over again. Sadly, 15 years after the event, the importance of The Laramie Project’s message is just as potent as ever. This is a theatrical experience that deserves to be seen by as many people as possible and we can't wait to present it to Melbourne in October."

The Loft, Chapel Off Chapel, 12 Little Chapel Street, Prahran, VIC 3181. Opening night is set for tonight, 26 October 2012 at 8 p.m. and the run continues October 26 through November 11, Tuesdays through Saturdays at 8 p.m., Sundays at 6 p.m. and matinees on Saturday 27 October and 3 November at 1 p.m. There is no performance on Tuesday 29th due to The Melbourne Cup.

To book tickets, visit www.chapeloffchapel.com.au or call 03 8290 7000. Ticket prices run $34 – $39 (+transaction fee). For more about the theatre, visit www.mockingbirdtheatre.com.au or find The company on Facebook.

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