Wayfarer Highland Park- another Soicial Impact Screening

When Wayfarer re-opened its doors, one of their promises was to use this theater ( five different screens) to bring information as well as films to the community. They also talked about the theaters being more of a community center than “just” a movie theater. I ,for,one, along with my wife, have watched this promise become a reality. Steve and Clay , as well as Michael and the entire staff at Wayfarer are always friendly and make sure that every visitor is content.

Last night we attended one of these special Monday night screenings. This one, “Join or Die” , a 2023 documentary film regarding connections and club and group participation. The film is based on the work of Political Scientist Robert Putnam and includes interviews with Hilary Clinton, Pete Buttigieg, Surgeon General Vivek Murthy, Eddie Glaude, Jr., Raj Chetty and many historical clips of JFK, Martin Luther King, Robert F. Kennedy and a host of others.

The documentary examines the lifestyles of Americans over the years and shows the decline in people “joining”, anything. Bowling is where Putnam scored his point with his book “Bowling Alone”, that shows how many people today no longer “join” anything, including a place where almost everyone I know did belong to. I , for one, bowled in leagues from 1970 thru 2025. Yes, for 55 years, I bowled in at least one league. I did some other bowling prior to that but the stretch of 55 years is quite into what was talked about.

When they do one of these screenings, the lights come up when over and we are introduced to some people that are either involved with the film, or have a connection to the topic. Last night, we met some local people that are part of places where “joining” is of great importance. Putnam feels that that people need people ( a song from “Funny Girl”) to keep their minds active and to grow. I think back to the clubs I was a member of and what has happened over the years. Even the chambers of commerce are not what they were back in the 1970’s and 1980’s.

I thank Wayfarer Theater for making these screenings available and for opening up their lobby for organizations to meet and greet patrons and have an impact on their community. The theater is located  at 1850 Second Street in Highland Park with indoor garage parking available, and I must tell you, the best popcorn EVER!!

Coming up next   “Cast Aside the Clouds”  June 18th  7 p.m. CHICAGO AREA PREMIERE   www.castasidetheclouds.com

To learn more about Wayfarer, visit www.wayfarertheaters.com