Pueblo Arts Community Tackles Hate Crime Legacy Through Powerful Theater Production
A Southern Colorado theater company is bringing challenging conversations about tolerance and acceptance to the forefront this Pride Month through a groundbreaking production that hits close to home for many Rocky Mountain residents.
Steel City Theatre Company in downtown Pueblo is performing "The Laramie Project," a documentary-style play examining the aftermath of Matthew Shepard's 1998 murder in neighboring Wyoming - a hate crime that sent shockwaves through the Mountain West and changed the national conversation about LGBTQ+ rights.
Local Impact Resonates 25 Years Later
"These conversations are really important, especially as we're looking at some hate crimes against trans people," explains Andrea Garrett, managing director of Steel City Theatre Company. The production's timing comes as Colorado communities continue working to build more inclusive spaces while confronting ongoing challenges.
The play weaves together over 60 interviews with Laramie residents, presenting diverse perspectives through characters including:
- Local law enforcement officers
- Medical professionals
- Religious leaders
- College students
- Service industry workers
Community Response Mixed but Important
While the production has faced some pushback on social media, Garrett notes that most negative comments have come from outside the Pueblo area.
"Most of it has just been some comments about 'that lifestyle is wrong. I don't appreciate this lifestyle,' but actually not talking about the show specifically,"she explained.
"Most of it has just been some comments about 'that lifestyle is wrong. I don't appreciate this lifestyle,' but actually not talking about the show specifically,"
Cast member Zachary Price emphasizes the production's broader mission:
"I think the message here is not only presenting Matthew Shepard's story, but also everyone else's story around it."
"I think the message here is not only presenting Matthew Shepard's story, but also everyone else's story around it."
Taking Action Through Art
Fellow performer Macie Gross underscores the contemporary relevance:
"I just feel it's very, very important to do this now to show people like, 'Hey, this is what's going on. This is still an issue, and this is still something we need to worry about.'"
"I just feel it's very, very important to do this now to show people like, 'Hey, this is what's going on. This is still an issue, and this is still something we need to worry about.'"
Colorado theater enthusiasts and community members can experience "The Laramie Project" from June 12 to 21 at the Steel City Theatre Company, located on North Main Street in downtown Pueblo. The production offers local families an opportunity to engage with important social issues through the lens of regional history.
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