I first learned about Helen Keller and her remarkable teacher Annie Sullivan when I was twelve, acting in the play The Miracle Worker Wyndham’s Theatre, London – Olympia Theatre, Dublin – Playhouse Theatre, Sheffield. They have both been special to me ever since.
Their story is a moving and powerful one. Of a teacher who unlocked a blind, deaf and dumb child from the prison of her handicap to teach her language and how to speak.

Helen Keller 1880 – 1968

Helen Adams Keller was born in Alabama on the 27th June 1880. At only 19 months, she suffered an illness that left her blind, deaf and dumb.

Helen Keller’s achievements were remarkable.

• Published twelve books
• Communicated in several languages
• A celebrity speaker worldwide
• Became the first blind, deaf and dumb person to get a bachelor’s degree
• Active Political and Social influencer.

Helen Keller owed everything to her indomitable teacher Annie Sullivan.

Annie Sullivan 1866 – 1936

Annie Sullivan was of Irish descent. Brought up in a background of a harsh orphanage treatment. At five, she contracted an eye disease and went through many operations to save her own eyesight. She attended The Perkins School for the Blind. At twenty, she gained employment as governess with the Keller family, who couldn’t cope with their daughter’s wild and unmanageable behaviour. In desperation, Helen’s parents hired the young governess, Annie Sullivan, to teach their out-of-control daughter. 

The lessons involved many difficult struggles and physical tussles, as Annie refused to give in to Helen’s strong temperament. Until Annie reached a breakthrough. This breakthrough earns her the name of Miracle Worker.

The Miracle Worker

At the water pump, Annie holds Helen’s hand beneath the flow of water and repeats sign language on her hand again and again and again.
It was here that Helen discovered the connection between the sign language and the feel of the water. At last she understood objects had names. Her first word was water.

This old newspaper cutting shows me playing the role of Helen in the significant scene at the water pump.

Annie’s perseverance and teachings empowered Helen to overcome her severe disability. Thus enabling her to become one of the most influential women, spreading inspiration and hope around the world to the sightless and the deaf.

The Play

I was fortunate to play Helen and be nominated *Best Actress for the starring role in the dramatic play The Miracle Worker.

Twelve year old me in the role of Helen Keller

The Miracle Worker was written by William Gibson in 1961, and portrays the early part of Helen Keller’s life. The play is a powerful, emotional drama that highlights the battles between the young headstrong uncontrollable Helen and her stoic determined teacher Annie Sullivan. Eventually Annie succeeds in unlockIng ‘Language’ in her young blind, deaf and dumb pupil.

Making a mistake is falling down—
Failure is not getting up again.

Helen Keller

*The Miracle Worker first premiered in the West End at the Wyndham’s Theatre.
My school friend Janina Faye first starred in the role in this production – in which I was also a member of the cast.

*Best Actress nomination for my performance at the Olympia Theatre, Dublin

Helen Keller is one of the most influential women of the 20th Century

I think this is a good day to remember both these remarkable women. Helen Keller and Annie Sullivan.

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Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement.

Nothing can be done without hope and confidence.

— Helen Keller

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