Considering Matthew Shepard | Historic Chateau Theatre

Experience the unforgettable power of Craig Hella Johnson’s acclaimed oratorio Considering Matthew Shepard, presented in a semi-staged production by Choral Arts Ensemble at the Historic Chateau Theatre. Blending choir, instrumental ensemble, storytelling, dance, and lighting, this moving contemporary work tells a deeply human story of loss, compassion, and hope.

Inspired by the life of Matthew Shepard—a gay college student who was murdered in a 1998 hate crime—this powerful work draws from Shepard’s journals, reflections from his family, poetry, interviews, and news accounts. Through themes of identity, belonging, empathy, and justice, the piece confronts difficult realities with extraordinary emotional honesty. Musically, it moves fluidly through classical, jazz, pop, country, hymnody, and spoken word, creating an experience that feels immediate and relevant for modern audiences.

Considering Matthew Shepard explores the grief and loss of Matt’s story but moves all present toward healing, hope, and our shared responsibility to one another. In Johnson’s galvanizing closer, we are reminded that Matt is truly all of us. The message is timeless: every person deserves dignity, understanding, and love.

Powerful and uplifting, this is a rare artistic experience that invites audiences to witness Matt’s story and reflect on the kind of community we can build together.