The Ridgefield Playhouse will recognize Autism Awareness this April with a FREE screening of Little Man Tate on Tuesday, April 18, 2023 at 7:30pm.
The screening is part of their Diversity Film Series, courtesy of the Aquarion Water Company, as well as the Cohen and Wolf P.C. Movie Series.
Originally released in 1991, Little Man Tate is Jodie Foster’s directorial debut starring Adam Hann-Byrd as Fred Tate, a seven-year old child prodigy who struggles in social settings and is largely implied to have Autism. The story touches upon growth pains, the pressures of being a gifted child, and the difficulties faced in finding familiarity in your peers when you are considered different. The film also stars Harry Connick Jr. and the director herself, Jodie Foster. See the film back on the big screen in recognition of Autism Awareness Day!
After the screening, entertainment reporter Cheryl Washington goes Beyond the Story with two very special guests: Suellen Inwood, Director of Easton Country Day School and Ridgefield Playhouse usher, Alex Fischetti who is an independent adult living on the autism spectrum.
During this engaging discussion, Suellen explains that because learning comes easily to high intellectual students, they may not learn how to problem solve because they’re not challenged in ways that force them to develop those abilities. They may feel disconnected to their peer groups and not learn the social skills necessary to succeed in life. At her school, students get the best of both worlds; they take classes at their intellectual level, not their chronological age, but their social opportunities like electives and recess are always with students their age.
Alex Fischetti gives viewers a rare insight into the mind of someone with autism. He likes to say, “if you’ve met one person with autism, you’ve met one person with autism.” Like Fred, the lead character in the film, Alex had a mentor who believed in him. Those interactions were key to transforming him from a little boy who hardly knew anyone, to a man who enjoys meeting people and pursuing his interests. He’s even published a book about his relationship with his mentor called, “The Lonesome Boy and The Blond-Haired Angel.” This interview can be seen following the screening in the theater or on the Playhouse YouTube channel.
For more information or to register for FREE tickets, go online at www.ridgefieldplayhouse.org or visit or call the box office at (203) 438-5795. The Ridgefield Playhouse is a non-profit performing arts center located at 80 East Ridge Road, parallel to Main Street, Ridgefield, CT and is committed to keeping the arts alive and available to all.
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