Freshman Kevin Rasp gets into character while other cast members sit by. Many DePauw students remember the tragic reports of the murder of Matthew Shepard, a gay man, in Laramie, Wyo. on Oct. 12, 1998. These interviewers went on to become the actors in what became a deeply moving docudrama about the life of Shepard and what he meant to the town of Laramie. Gigi Fenlon, professor of communications, had the idea to present this production at DePauw. Fenlon has developed an interest in creating theater from personal narratives, and has always had a desire to produce socially relevant productions.
Many people care deeply about the subject.
A student, junior Katie Graham, is actually producing the play with Fenlon's guidance. The play was open to anyone who wanted to act. Fenlon said she was surprised at how many students expressed a desire to participate. This play cuts through all the lines between students here at DePauw. According to Fenlon, there are 35 students, four faculty members, and one member of the Greencastle community participating in the production.