Understanding Kevin "Freak" Avery in FREAK THE MIGHTY

Understanding Kevin

Actor Cornelius Kittrell plays Kevin "Freak" Avery in CPH's production of FREAK THE MIGHTY

Kevin Avery, who calls himself “Freak,” is a central character in Freak the Mighty. He is a little person with a disability, and he is also imaginative, confident, and deeply intelligent. Kevin loves stories of knights and quests, and he uses his creativity to transform the world around him

When thinking about Kevin, it’s important to remember that disability is not just about a person’s body. It is also about how the world is designed. The social model of disability reminds us that many challenges come from environments or attitudes that are not built with all people in mind, rather than something that needs to be “fixed” in a person. Kevin’s experiences reflect this: he navigates a world that isn’t always accessible, while bringing his own strengths and perspective to it.

Kevin’s disability affects his physical body, not his intelligence or imagination. Like many little people and disabled individuals, he uses adaptations and support when needed, but he also leads with his ideas, humor, and sense of adventure. People with dwarfism and other disabilities live full, independent lives across many fields and interests.

As audience members, practicing respect and awareness matters. Some key ideas:

Use respectful language (for example: “person with a disability,” “person with dwarfism,” “disabled,” “little person,” or simply the person’s name).
Do not touch someone or their mobility devices without permission.
Avoid staring. Treat disabled people with dignity as you would anyone else.
Be curious, but also thoughtful and respectful.

Kevin does not exist to be pitied or “inspiring” for others. He is a complex, fully realized person. His friendship with Max shows how different strengths can come together in powerful ways.

As you watch the play, consider: