About

Co-produced by Daryl Back who starred as Helen Keller in the West End in 1988.

Based on the harrowing and inspirational true story of Helen Keller, the play is set in an oppressive and uncompassionate Alabama in the 1880's. Blind and deaf after contracting an illness at 19 months old, young Helen is unable to communicate which often leads to angry and violent outbursts. Her mother fears punishing a child with disabilities and her father ignores her existence. Although seemingly full of life, spending her days horsing around and picking on other children, her wealthy parents consider hiding her away in an institution at the behest and judgement of others. After several doctors attempt to teach the wilful Helen and fail – the family call on Governess Annie Sullivan – a woman who, after overcoming blindness as a child, vows to help other children find their voice through tactile sign language. The road to encouraging Helen to actively participate in the world around her is a long one that requires hard-work, determination, and tough love. In a play that is very much of its time with some striking outdated themes, Helen's frustration of being isolated from her loved ones is something we can all resonate with after the past 18 months. Human connection is something we all strive for – but could we muster the courage to fight for ourselves when everyone around us has already written us off?

Tuesday 5 - Saturday 9 &
Monday 11 - Saturday 16 October 2021
7.30pm, Wed & Sat mat: 2.30pm