This partnership led to an incredible leap forward for Helen and a relationship that lasted throughout both of their lives.Īnnie’s one intention on meeting Helen was to teach her language and Annie herself said ‘first, last and in between, language….
Eventually they found a young Irish woman called Annie Sullivan, who was partially blind herself and had been educated at a school for the blind. The family tried governess after governess, to no avail. Helen was exceptionally bright, but she had no means of communication, leading to tantrums and rages of frustration. “At the time in Helen’s life when this play is set, her family just didn’t know what to do with an energetic deaf-blind child. Producer Daryl Back, who played the role of Helen Keller in the 1988 West End production of ‘The Miracle Worker’ says it’s the stuff of real drama. The co-production between Chelmsford Theatres and ‘One From The Heart’ brings this phenomenal true story to the Cramphorn Studio this October. The play is a co-production for the theatres
The breakthrough comes thanks to Helen’s relationship with her young governess, another exceptional woman called Annie Sullivan. The play by William Gibson is set in 1880s America during the pivotal weeks that Helen, who became deaf and blind following a childhood illness, first learns to communicate. The incredible story of Helen Keller comes to Chelmsford City Theatres this week with a new production of ‘ The Miracle Worker’.