Tuesday, Sept. 9 at 7 p.m. — RUTLAND — Castleton College and The Paramount Theatre are proud to offer the first of two collaborative arts and culture events, Bess O’Brien’s documentary, “The Hungry Heart,” showing on Tuesday, Sept. 9 at 7 p.m. The film examines the world of prescription drug addiction through the lens of a pediatrician who works with patients struggling with this disease. Dr. Fred Holmes prescribes suboxone to his patients struggling with prescription drug addiction. However, like methadone, suboxone can help addicts recover, can be used as a crutch and can be abused and sold on the streets. The film shows Dr. Holmes struggling with these dilemmas and contradictions to arrive at a simple but profound solution — the healing power of conversation.
As part of Castleton’s initiative to increase its presence in the Rutland area, the College and the Paramount are developing a long-term collaboration designed to bring Castleton events to the Paramount stage with an eye toward engaging both the academic and general communities in arts events which lend themselves to ongoing discussions regarding important social, political, and cultural topics. “The Hungry Heart” represents the first of these events.
The film screening of “The Hungry Heart” will be followed by a 45-minute panel discussion featuring Rutland Mayor Chris Louras, Vt. Commissioner of Health Dr. Harry Chen, Castleton Wellness Center Director Martha Coulter, addiction treatment specialist Jessica Farnsworth, and Dr. Fred Holmes himself. The conversation, facilitated by Castleton Fine Arts Center Director Richard Cowden, will be an informal sharing of current thinking on prevention and treatment of opiate addiction, as well as an opportunity for those on the panel to receive community feedback regarding their ongoing efforts.
This is a free community event, which will also be attended by a number of Castleton students currently enrolled in the College’s renowned Soundings arts and culture course. Audience members need only arrive before 7 p.m. the evening of the screening for admission.
For more info, call 802-468-1119.
