Artistic creations can be a means of exploring human attitudes, feelings, and behaviors. The performing arts are an example of an artistic media that can be used in this way. For example, the use of theater and cinema can be applied as a way to explore some human attitudes, feelings and behaviors related to topics such as tolerance, acceptance, anger, hatred and even forgiveness. Two examples of the performing arts are The Laramie Project and Shakespeare presented in the Secured Housing Unit (SHU) at the Wabash Valley Correctional Facility (WVCF), a maximum security prison in the state of Indiana. These productions offer both creators and viewers the opportunity to learn a lot about attitudes and actions regarding how people relate to each other. They also provide an opportunity for people to understand themselves better. The Laramie Project, developed by Moisés Kaufman and the Tectonic Theater Company, consists of both a stage play and an HBO film based on the actual 1998 murder twenty-one years ago. old University of Wyoming student, Matthew Shepard. On October 6, 1998, Mr. Shepard was tied to a fence, severely beaten and left to die on the outskirts of the small town of Laramie, Wyoming. He died from his injuries six days later. This was a hate crime, as Matthew was targeted because he was gay. The Laramie Project originated when members of the Tectonic Theater Company traveled to Laramie to interview residents about the circumstances surrounding the murder of Matthew Shepard, as well as their reaction to this incident, in order to stage a production related to these events. .Shakespeare, as presented...... middle of paper ...... have the ability to influence our perception of others, and they also have the ability to influence our perception of ourselves. The performing arts can be used to create a space in which we can examine areas of our lives, and the lives of others, that we may not otherwise want to look at. When we create space to examine our attitudes, feelings, and behaviors, including the effects they may have on others, we may find in ourselves a greater degree of compassion and willingness to accept human imperfection. In doing so, we become more responsible towards ourselves and society as a whole. References: Scott-Douglass, A. (2007). Shakespeare Inside: The Bard Behind Bars. Bloomsbury Publishing.The Laramie Project. (n.d.). [Audiovisual material]. (Original work published in 2002) Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u1qiTmF0p4