The Miracle Worker

William Gibson

Visy Theatre, Brisbane Powerhouse, June, 2009

Helen Keller (1880 – 1968) was a deaf-blind author, activist and outspoken speaker who become a world famous inspirational speaker and author. She grew up in an influential family in post-civil war Alabama and was struck deaf and blind after contracting (likely) scarlet fever at eighteen months. Determined to find help, her mother appealed to many high-profile doctors and educators, even Alexander G Bell. Annie Sullivan then became Helen’s governess, teacher and life-long companion.

After the events depicted in this play, Helen and Annie moved to Boston and New York to further Helen’s education. She eventually became the first deaf-blind person to receive a university degree and was able to use Braille to read in five (yes, five!) languages.  Keller was an advocate for people with disabilities, women’s rights, socialism and charities and was friends with Mark Twain and several presidents. She wrote an autobiography and a spiritual diary among her many books. On one of her world tours she spoke in Brisbane and met with members of the deaf and blind community.  During her life she was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom and was inducted into the US Women’s Hall of Fame.

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