Directed by Chris Boscia of Take A Stand Theatre, island actors will perform The Laramie Project by Moisés Kaufman. This play captures Laramie, Wyoming’s reckoning with the murder of Matthew Shepard, and the broader themes of prejudice, accountability, and community healing. The performance aims to spark discussions on tolerance, the media’s role in shaping perception, and collective responsibility in addressing hate.

Dennis Shepard, Matthew’s father, will address the Vashon community before the performance, sharing insights into the work he and his wife, Judy Shepard, a 2024 Presidential Medal of Honor recipient, have undertaken in Matthew’s name to foster acceptance and combat hate.

Allen Fitzpatrick returns to Vashon for his second appearance in his acclaimed solo show. He follows in the footsteps of Charles Dickens who, a few years after writing the novella, began public readings of it which he continued to perform until the year of his death. Allen performs 26 characters, telling the entire story in one hour.