Matthew Wayne Shepard was an American student at the University of Wyoming who was fatally attacked near Laramie, in what was widely reported by international news media as a savage beating because of his homosexuality.

Shepard died from severe head injuries on October 12, 1998. His murder brought national attention to the issue of hate crime.

Shortly after, members of Tectonic Theatre Project in the US set out for Laramie to explore the town and the crime that occurred there. After interviewing more that 200 residents, they created a deeply moving play about bigotry, fear, hate and hope. The play has since been presented around the world. In the UK Hope Theatre Company ‘The Laramie Project' with companion workshops, after-show discussions and education packages across the North West.

Extracts from this play are also used in Exceeding Expectations OUTLOUD presentation.

The Matthew Shepard Foundation