The brutal murder of a gay University of Wyoming student in 1998 partly led to the 2009 passing of the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act.

Just weeks after the 21st anniversary of Shepard’s Oct. 12 death, Governors State University Theatre and Performance Studies presents “The Laramie Project” Nov. 1-3 at the Center for Performing Arts in University Park.

“I’ve been an advocate for LGBTQ+ rights. I’ve been a member of the community for a long time. It’s always been something I’m very passionate about,” said Jane F. Cox, director of “The Laramie Project.”

“I wanted to direct this especially because of the experimental nature. Previously I’ve directed a lot of dramas that are very realistic naturalism. This is definitely a more experimental show. Time and space are fluid. You have actors portraying four to seven characters. It’s a unique challenge.”

Moises Kaufman and members of the Tectonic Theater Project in New York City traveled to Laramie, Wyoming, six times and conducted more than 200 interviews to create “The Laramie Project.” Kaufman later wrote and directed the film adaptation of the play.

“This case rocked the world. It really caused a huge media sensation. This captured the imagination and consciousness of the United States and the world. It was a huge story. Celebrities took up the cause,” said Cox, of Tinley Park.

“The show focuses more on the residents of Laramie and the players involved. It includes people who knew Matthew Shepard, University of Wyoming personnel, people who knew the perpetrators and family members and tells the story the media didn’t tell.”

The Southland production of “The Laramie Project,” which is recommended for ages 14 and older, includes Chicago, Glenwood, Flossmoor, Frankfort, Hazel Crest, Matteson, Orland Park, Park Forest, South Chicago Heights, Steger, Summit, and Tinley Park residents.

“The cast I have is incredibly passionate about this story. They’re extremely involved and personally affected by this story in one way or another. Their commitment has been unbelievable,” said Cox about the 11 students, one alum, one staff member and four community members portraying 60 roles.

“We’ve done a lot of talking about the characters because these characters are real-life people so we want to make sure we’re representing them in the most accurate way possible. To honor that, the actors have done a lot of work independently looking up and reading about these real-life people.

“Some of these actors go from portraying maybe a character they identify with to somebody they need to work to empathize with. Kevin Kohn goes from playing an openly gay resident and in that same act he plays the Rev. Fred Phelps, who was the head of the Westboro Baptist Church, which is a hate group.”

According to Cox, who became cultural marketing director for the Center for Performing Arts in July, “The Laramie Project” reflects the goals of Governors State University Theatre and Performance Studies.

“It really follows the mission of Theatre and Performance Studies to produce transformative works that are socially relevant,” said Cox, who noted that the 21st anniversary of 21-year-old Shepard’s death marked a solemn reminder that he has been gone as many years as he lived.

“It’s amazing how far we’ve come and also how we haven’t come that far. ‘The Laramie Project’ is still sadly very timely. It’s important that we don’t forget. Unfortunately this is still a very relevant story.”

Jessi Virtusio is a freelancer for the Daily Southtown.