Panel to discuss "Billy Elliot"

When 11-year-old Billy Elliot stumbles out of the boxing ring and into ballet, he stuns the British mining community in which he was raised. The boy encounters many trials as he strives to hold on to this new artistic outlet, resolving inner conflicts and learning about relationships while combating his family’s set ways.



Presenters UMKC film professor Tom Poe and psychoanalyst Marilyn N. Metzl, Ph.D. with special guest Jeffrey Bentley, executive director of the Kansas City Ballet, will explore the cultural construction of masculinity and issues of prejudice surrounding non-traditional gender roles.

Join them on Sunday, February 21 at 1 p.m. at the Plaza Branch of the Kansas City Public Library on 4801 Main St, KCMO to watch the film, with the panel to follow.