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 ALBANY, N.Y. (Feb.
3, 2010)
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The
Albany High School Theatre Ensemble has received a human rights award
for its November production of “The Laramie Project.”
The Albany Human Rights
Commission present the Theatre Ensemble with the award Feb. 2 during a
reception in the City Hall Rotunda. Teacher-director Ward Dales (pictured
in the center at right, surrounded by members of the cast and crew)
accepted the award on behalf of the group.
“It is the highest kind
of teachable moment for our students to receive this award,” Mr.
Dales said. “I am very proud of the fact that our
entire team used this vehicle to provide our community with a forum to
reflect deeply on so many issues that keep us apart and keep us from
working together to enrich our lives.”
“The Laramie Project”
focuses on the community reaction to the 1998 beating death of a gay
University of Wyoming student. The Theatre Ensemble earned the award for
performing the play and inspiring a host of community and school forums
on the effects of intolerance and prejudice.
In October 1998,
Matthew Shephard was kidnapped, beaten and tied to a fence on the
outskirts of Laramie, Wy. He died in a hospital nearly a week later. His
murder is considered a hate crime motivated by homophobia.
The play “The Laramie
Project” draws on hundreds of interviews conducted with inhabitants of
Laramie following Shephard’s death. A small number of actors portray
some 60 different characters and provide a snapshot of the effects of
prejudice on a small community.
The Theatre Ensemble’s
performance came about eight months after members of a Kansas church
stood outside Albany High carrying anti-gay signs and chanting
homophobic slogans. Members of the same church also picketed Matthew
Shepherd’s funeral, scenes the production portrays on stage.
For Mr. Dales, the
award amplifies the power of the play’s message.
"It says so clearly that if you stand up for what is just, right and
humane, and if you express those views courageously, even in the face of
ridicule and persecution, you will serve others,” he said. “That is the
highest achievement one can hope for in a lifetime.”
The mission of the City School District of
Albany is to educate and nurture all students to be
responsible citizens, critical thinkers and lifelong learners to
successfully compete in the global community by providing an
academically rigorous and safe environment in partnership with parents,
students and the community. The district
serves approximately 8,400 students in 16
elementary, middle and high schools. In addition to neighborhood
schools, the district includes several magnet schools and programs, as
well as other innovative academic opportunities for students.
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