DMU and Curve Collaboration

A collaborative partnership between Curve Theatre and De Montfort University

This March, Curve presents a pioneering piece of American theatre, based on real-life events in the town of Laramie, Wyoming. These will be brought to life in The Studio by 13 talented undergraduates of De Montfort University playing sixty roles between them. The project provides an exciting opportunity for Drama undergraduates to perform a challenging theatrical text on a professional stage. 

In 1998 Matthew Shepard, a gay University of Wyoming Student, was discovered bound to a fence in the hills outside Laramie Wyoming, savagely beaten and left to die in an act of brutality that shocked the nation. At the time, the murder was denounced as a hate crime motivated by homophobia, but for the people of Laramie the event was deeply personal, and it is their voices that are heard in this astonishing piece of theatre.

Writer Moisés Kaufman and members of the Tectonic Theater Project travelled to Laramie and interviewed hundreds of inhabitants of the town about their reactions to the events and the shattered community spirit. The cast will portray sixty of these characters – from rural ranchers to university professors – in this moving, true story about the hope, positive change and aspiration of equality that was born from this tragic event.

Cherie Worth, a second year Drama student at DMU and cast member said:

‘Being part of this production is a fantastic experience; we are treated as professionals not just students. Working on ‘Laramie’ is great because we able to explore a true story, and highlight a serious issue in society through a theatrical style.’

DMU student and cast member Kirsty Mealing commented:

‘Working on The Laramie Project has been a real eye-opener for me, and the broad age range of the characters that I play has been very exciting to work with. I aspire to pursue an acting career after University, so working within a professional atmosphere has really made me up my game.’ 

The production is directed by Cambridge graduate, Josh Seymour. Josh has directed and assisted on numerous productions, including most recently assisting Phillip Breen on SEX WITH A STRANGER at Trafalgar Studios and assisting 21 directors on SIXTY-SIX BOOKS at the Bush Theatre. As a director, he has worked at Waterloo East Theatre and London Festival Fringe.

This production follows the hugely successful collaboration between Curve and De Montfort University of the Steven Berkoff plays,Greek and East in 2011. Students from across all years of the Drama programmes at DMU are participating in productions.

Behind the scenes on The Laramie project
Watch the cast in rehearsals videoand catch up with how they’ve been getting on, on the Curve Young Company blog.

A collaborative partnership between Curve Theatre and De Montfort University.

THE LARAMIE PROJECT
Directed by Josh Seymour
Performed by De Montfort University students
Monday 12 – Saturday 17 March in the Studio