Lyme disease became part of our vernacular in 1982 and is since known to have been found in patients in all 50 states as well as in China, Europe, Japan, Australia and parts of the former Soviet Union. To raise awareness and stimulate discussion about this pervasive illness, Andy Abrahams Wilson, whose sister suffered from Lyme disease, directed the film “Under Our Skin” which will be shown at The Ridgefield Playhouse on Saturday, May 29, at 7:30 p.m. This film is part of the Playhouse Film Society Documentary Film Series and is sponsored by The Ridgefield Press, HBGroup, Sony XDCAM HC and Cohen and Wolf, P.C.
“Under Our Skin” examines the human, medical, and political dimensions of Lyme disease and follows the stories of patients and physicians fighting for their lives and livelihoods. The Ridgefield Playhouse Film Society and the Ridgefield Lyme Disease Task Force have collaborated to bring this Oscar “Short List” and multiple award-winning documentary to the Playhouse. A post-screening Q & A with Lyme disease medical experts Dr. Charles Ray Jones, Dr. Kenneth Liegner and Dr. Steven Phillips, who appear in the film, will be moderated by radio host/author Lisa Wexler. Ridgefield’s First Selectman, Rudy Marconi, will participate on the Q & A panel.
Fox News called the film “Explosive”. Variety reviewed it as “Suspenseful…Dramatic”. May has been designated “Lyme Disease Awareness Month”, and in support of this effort, Connecticut Senator Christopher Dodd released a statement in which he explains his “…push for adequate funding for research and development of (diagnostic) tools to protect the health of our children and future generations.”
For reserved and general admission tickets for “Under Our Skin” ($10 adults, $7.50 seniors, $5 students under 18) and additional information about The Ridgefield Playhouse Film Society programs, call the box office at 203-438-5795, or go online at ridgefieldplayhouse.org. The Ridgefield Playhouse is located at 80 East Ridge, parallel to Main St., Ridgefield, CT 06877.
