Written by William Gibson
Directed by Geoff Brittain
Synopsis:
In Tuscumbia, Alabama, an illness renders infant Helen Keller blind, deaf, and consequently mute (deaf-mute). Pitied and badly spoiled by her parents, Helen is taught no discipline and, by the age of six, grows into a wild, angry, tantrum-throwing child in control of the household. Desperate, the Kellers hire Annie Sullivan to serve as governess and teacher for their daughter. After several fierce battles with Helen, Annie convinces the Kellers that she needs two weeks alone with Helen in order to achieve any progress in the girl’s education. In that time, Annie teaches Helen discipline through persistence and consistency and language through hand signals, a double breakthrough that changes Helen’s life and has a direct effect on the lives of everyone in the family.
Roles:
Captain Arthur Keller (stage age mid fifties)
a retired Civil War officer who edits a town newspaper in Tuscumbia, Alabama. He is a haughty man in his mid-fifties, apparently accustomed during his military career to instant and unquestioning obedience to his every whim. He is irascible and sharply demanding at times with his family. Underneath, he is a concerned and loving father and husband.
Annie Sullivan (stage age 25)
the teacher of the deaf and blind child Helen Keller. Annie, herself blind during her childhood years. Possible Irish background. She is grave, rather obstinate, impudent, combative and handsome. There is a crude vitality to her.
Season:
April 4th – 6th 2019 at 8pm
April 10th – 13th 2019 at 8pm
Matinee at 2pm on Saturday April 13th 2019
Auditions:
Saturday September 1st 2018. Annie Sullivan in the morning / Arthur Keller in the afternoon
Contact Production Manager, Ray Trowbridge to book an audition. Mobile 0415 756 536 or email rayct_@hotmail.com
Venue:
Auditions, rehearsals and performances at the ARTS Theatre, 53 Angas Street, Adelaide
