Music that Advocates: Considering Matthew Shepard

This unique performance documentary weaves the inspirational story of Matthew Shepard with musical selections from local Austin composer Craig Hella Johnson’s choral masterwork of the same title. This film offers a glimpse into the tragedy that led to the creation of the Hate Crimes Act and shows us how music can lead us to a place of hope.

Join Waterloo Greenway as we commemorate the 10th Anniversary of the Hate Crimes Prevention Act, also known as the Matthew Shepard Act, passing Congress on October 22, 2009.

Waterloo Greenway, KLRU-TV, Austin PBS and Conspirare have partnered to present a special screening of “Considering Matthew Shepard”, a unique performance documentary born in Austin and experienced around the country.

“Considering Matthew Shepard” weaves the story of Matthew Shepard with musical selections from local Austin composer Craig Hella Johnson’s choral masterwork performed by Grammy® Award winning-Conspirare and captured by the Emmy-award winning KLRU team. CMS walks us though the inspirational story of Matthew Shepard through featured interviews with Craig Hella Johnson, Shepard’s mom and Matthew Shepard Foundation founder Judy Shepard, and MSF Executive Director Jason Marsden, and news footage. This film explores the beauty of love and acceptance wrapped in Matthew’s legacy and uncovers the power of music to reveal hope that can inspire us to collective action.

The evening will open with a community discussion that explores the creative process, power of collaboration, and the ongoing impact of Considering Matthew Shepard featuring Austin-based collaborators from KLRU and Conspirare.

Be sure to check our KLRU-TV, Austin PBS and Conspirare pages for a full listing of their upcoming events and projects!