To explore the human condition…to walk in the shoes of others… to achieve acceptance through understanding… this is what we do through our work as a theatre company, and each year, the journey becomes more profound.

This year, we honor the memory of Annie Sullivan‐ the courageous teacher of Helen Keller‐ in William Gibson’s multiple award-winning drama: "The Miracle Worker."

For those who may not know, Helen Keller was the first blind and deaf student to receive a Bachelor of Arts Degree. She continued her life-long learning through the aid of her constant companion Annie Sullivan, who had, when Helen was quite young, developed a method of communication and language for Helen, opening up a world that had once eluded her.

It’s a powerful tribute to two amazing women who refused to be victims, despite nearly insurmountable obstacles.

It is a story that is as inspiring today as it was during Ms. Keller’s lifetime, 1880‐1968.

As actors, it is essential that we, to the best of our ability, understand the story we are telling, and, more importantly, the characters within that story. To prepare ourselves for this compelling work, we utilized sensory deprivation exercises during auditions. We wanted to understand the frustrations that drove Helen to often violent behavior, and we wanted to understand what it felt like to rely entirely on someone for help in doing the simplest thing.

Despite their age, these young actors display courage, honor, integrity and compassion, all with tremendous depth. On a nightly basis, I am impressed by their level of commitment, and their open, honest and thoughtful insight into the world around them.

They recognize what a privilege it is to be able to reach people through their work, and they take great care to do so in a way that is both historically accurate and respectful.

It is my fondest wish that through this production, we inspire audiences to overcome whatever obstacles they may happen to face, and provide them all with a greater sense of the immeasurable strength of the human spirit.

- Tricia Stiller, Director
The Diversity Project Players
McLean County Diversity Project