This captivating drama, tells the story of six year old Helen Keller, left blind, deaf and mute by an illness in infancy. Helen’s world is silent, dark and isolating, as she has little communication with those who love her. Desperate to reach their child, Helen’s parents enlist the aid of Annie Sullivan. Through many struggles, both with Helen and her family, Annie is finally able to break through Helen’s barriers.
Characters to be cast:
Annie Sullivan, appears to be in her early – late 20s, is Helen’s teacher. She is a strong and vibrant woman who is determined to connect Helen to the world. Her challenging past is what drives her to push Helen to the brink. There is a crude vitality to her and she is undeterred by the Keller’s protection of their daughter Helen. She is involved in intense physical scenes. Must have a strong connection to Helen.
Helen Keller, appears to be 8-11 years old, is a deaf, blind mute. She is trapped in her own world, unable to speak, hear, or see. She is almost not human as she has been blind and deaf since she was stricken with scarlet fever as a baby. She is involved in intense physical scenes. Must have a strong connection to Annie Sullivan.
Captain Arthur Keller, appears to be in his 40s -50s, and is Helen’s father. A captain, he is stern, but devoted to his family. He struggles to connect to young Helen, but he is loving nonetheless.
Kate Keller, appears to be in her 30s – 40s, and is Helen’s mother. She is tormented by Helen’s perceivably insurmountable disability. She seeks to please Helen in order to avoid the tantrums and to compensate for her extreme misfortune. She is a captain’s wife, completely devoted to her husband, but a fiercely devoted mother as well. She is determined to give Helen any chance she can get.
James Keller, appears to be in his teens - 20s, and is Helen’s half brother, the son of the captain. He is described as indolent. He sees Helen as mentally defective and believes it best she be put in an asylum.
Aunt Eve, appears to be in her 30s - 50s, is Helen’s aunt. She is a talkative, opinionated woman who serves as the catalyst for the Kellers’ contact with the Perkins School for the Blind.
Anagnos/Doctor, appears to be in his 40s - 50s, is Annie’s counselor at the Perkins Institution for the Blind. A dear and kind man, he is very fond of Annie. He serves as a mentor and friend. Will double as doctor.
Viney, appears to be in her 30s - 60s, is a servant. He/she is cheerful and very loving towards the Keller children.
Jimmy, appears to be in his pre-teen years and is Annie’s dead brother. This part will be played as an onstage character and/or a voiceover.
Blind Girls, appear to be ages 6-16 and have minimal lines
Martha, appears to be age 8 – 12, is a playmate of Helen.
Percy, appears to be age 8 - 12, is a playmate of Helen.