The Wayne Theatre and the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention are teaming up for Mental Health Awareness Month to present a screening of “Dead Poets Society” on Saturday, May 21, at 7 p.m. at the Wayne Theatre/Ross Performing Arts Center.
Admission is Pay What You Will. No advance tickets are required.
The movie starring the late Robin Williams was selected because after Williams’ death in 2014, he became the face of depression and dementia as well as suicide prevention.
“Mental Health Month was designed to raise awareness related to mental health,” said Crystal Graham, the Virginia chapter secretary for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. “I approached the Wayne Theatre about hosting a movie night for the community, and they were immediately on board with the idea.”
A health fair and panel discussion will bookmark the screening of the film. The health fair will include Mental Health America Augusta, Valley Community Services Board, the National Alliance on Mental Illness, AFSP and Shenandoah Art Therapy, among others. It will begin at 6 p.m.
The film follows an English teacher who encourages his students to go against the status quo, and as a result, each are changed for life.
A short Q&A and panel discussion related to mental health will follow the film.
The mission of AFSP is to save lives and bring hope to those affected by suicide. For more information, visit www.afsp.org/virginia
If you are in crisis, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255).