The SAR High School drama society performed William Gibson’s “The Miracle Worker” for SAR High School students, SAR Academy’s second and fifth grades, and the community at large.
“The Miracle Worker” is based on the inspirational true story of the blind, deaf and mute Helen Keller. At the start of the play, Keller is trapped in a dark and silent world, vexed by her inability to communicate. Keller is spoiled and violent and family’s attempts at reaching her have failed. In an act of desperation, they hire Annie Sullivan, a steely and infinitely patient former pupil of The Perkins School for the Blind. A dynamic relationship between the two headstrong, spirited young women develops as Sullivan demonstrates an unwavering determination to perform a miracle and awaken Keller’s dormant spirit by teaching her language.
This play is about many things, among them the importance of human connection, the interplay between obedience and independence, teaching and learning and the complexities of love. Most of all, however, this play is about the magnificent and boundless capacity of the human spirit.
“The Miracle Worker” is an extremely ambitious production. It calls for many costume and set changes, the use of sign language and several different accents and a different time period and place. Most of all, to bring its nuanced characters and complex relationships to life, this weighty work demands that the actors commit fully physically, mentally and emotionally. The cast and crew poured their hearts and souls into this production and everyone felt extremely proud of the stirring, inspiring final product. The audiences laughed, cried and gave a rousing standing ovation. Students, parents and faculty members were “blown away” and they are still raving that they are “obsessed” with this, “moving,” “professional,” “brave” and “all around spectacular” production. The overwhelming response has been extremely gratifying. Perhaps most rewarding of all, however, was the formation of new bonds and the learning of valuable lessons throughout the rehearsal process. Thank you to everyone who supported the show!
