Greg Gould backs Laramie Project
Central Coast singing sensation Greg Gould has thrown his support behind a major theatrical project to be presented at Peninsula Theatre next week.
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Central Coast singing sensation Greg Gould has thrown his support behind Woy Woy Little Theatre’s The Laramie Project, set to play Peninsula Theatre next week.
The Laramie Project explores a community’s response to the gay hate-crime murder of young University student Matthew Shepard in 1998 in Laramie, Wyoming in the US, and will be presented by a cast ranging in age from 17 to 85, facilitated by Jessica Alex for Woy Woy Little Theatre.
“Hearing Jessica’s passion and reading the verbatim script sent chills down my spine,” Gould said.
“It hit too close to home not to be a part of it.
“I’m proud to be part of something that goes beyond the performance, beyond the story and beyond reality.”
The play’s text is a combination of actual interviews, journal entries, statements, testimonies and media responses to the crime.
“Residents, leaders and representatives are encouraged to attend the event to contribute to this discussion surrounding education, class, politics, sexual education and, most importantly, the difference between tolerance and acceptance,” Alex said.
“The cast and crew recently participated in a series of topical discussions led by community representatives and leaders.”
Representatives from the Aids Council of NSW, the human rights and law communities, police and the church will participate in a question-and-answer session following the final performance on Sunday, February 12.
Alex is well known for her community-theatre activities.
She was recently awarded the New Colombo Plan Scholarship – a key initiative of the Australian Government to develop ongoing relations between Australian and the Indo-Pacific region.
As part of her scholarship, she will travel to Cambodia this year, where she will undertake language training, university study and intern within the arts sector for 14 months.
“In today’s society, theatre and the arts can provide an alternate medium through which we can engage with societal issues face-to-face,” she said.
“That conversation should begin with our Central Coast community focusing on the message that hate is not a value.”
The Laramie Project will be staged as part of Woy Woy Little Theatre’s FLASH Community Arts Project for four performances only, from February 10-12.
Session times and bookings available at woywoylt.com.au or search The Laramie Project at WWLT on Facebook.
Fast facts
Greg Gould has had two back-to-back chart-topping singles and in 2013 was the runner-up of Australia’s Got Talent
Hiss new EP will be released during the same weekend of The Laramie Project
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