He described Keller as “a rock star” in his field. The play lets us see the depth and the power of that transformation.”Īs program director of the Visual Impairment/Orientation & Mobility program at SFA, Michael Munro sees the work of Keller and Sullivan in action daily. “However, that she would transform from a child locked in a world of darkness and silence to one who would not only learn to communicate her way out of those restrictions, but also to advocate on behalf of others, was hardly a foregone conclusion. “Today, we think of Helen Keller as an influential advocate for those with disabilities,” Meier said. Despite the numerous challenges both face, Annie ultimately becomes the miracle worker who helps Helen unlock a world of possibilities.

Gibson’s three-act play is based on Keller's autobiography, “The Story of My Life.” Keller, a young deaf and blind girl trapped in a world of darkness and silence, meets Annie Sullivan, an unorthodox and brilliant teacher. “In terms of socio-economic background, life experiences and personalities, the women could not have been more different, and yet, together, they literally changed the world,” Meier said. Inga Meier, assistant professor of theatre at SFA and the play’s director, who said her fascination with these women as significant advocates for people with disabilities led her to select this play for SummerStage. The play offers a historical glimpse into the lives of Keller and Sullivan, showing “the obstacles each had to overcome and the strength and resilience that carried them forward,” according to Dr. Turner Auditorium and the Downstage Theatre. The festival, presented by the School of Theatre, is slated for June 27 through July 15 with performances in W.M. “The Miracle Worker” is featured in this year’s SummerStage Festival at Stephen F. It also reminds audiences of the miraculous achievements Keller and Sullivan made in changing the world of the disabled at a time when little had been discovered in the field of deaf-blind education. William Gibson’s play “The Miracle Worker” provides an intimate look at the student and instructor before they became historical figures and advocates for people with disabilities. NACOGDOCHES, Texas – Most people are familiar with the story of blind and deaf Helen Keller and her teacher, Anne Sullivan.

Annie sullivan the miracle worker