Theater with a sense of wonder
Tillamook brings Helen Keller story to the stage
Story & photos by Jordan Wolfe
For the TODAY
A miracle is arriving onstage in Tillamook.
Real-life teachers are coming together to bring to life the true story of a pivotal moment in the life of Helen Keller, the late author and disability rights activist who became deaf and blind at the age of 19 months old.
The Tillamook Association for the Performing Arts production of “The Miracle Worker,” the story of the enormous impact teacher Annie Sullivan had on a young Keller by unlocking language for her, opens at the Barn Community Playhouse this Friday, May 29, and runs through Sunday, June 14.
The three-act play is based on Keller’s 1903 autobiography “The Story of My Life” and has been on director Ann Harper’s mind for decades.
“I have been a fan of Helen Keller and Annie Sullivan since I was in fourth or fifth grade,” she said. “I read the story and was always inspired by it. My high school did it my senior year and I auditioned for it, but one of the productions was the night of my brother's wedding, so I couldn't be in it.”
The story of Sullivan remained with Harper and inspired her choice to become a teacher.
“I think Annie Sullivan inspired me in that way, too,” she said. “My grandma was a teacher. I always thought I'd grow up to be a teacher, and then when I learned about [Sullivan], it just sort of brought everything full circle.”
Harper began directing shows at the playhouse in 2016 and “The Miracle Worker” marks the 10-year anniversary for the director. To celebrate, Harper is introducing something new to this production: sign language interpreters.
Every show in June — six of the nine performances — will feature interpreters in American Sign Language on the side of the stage. To Harper’s knowledge, this is the first production in the association's history to offer such interpretation. While the playhouse initially concluded it could not afford interpreters for so many performances, serendipity struck in the form of Shauna DesJardins, Tillamook Bay Community College instructor for American Sign Language.
“She said, ‘Is there any way we could work together on this?’ And I went, ‘Absolutely,’” Harper said. “So, she got a script and had to rewrite it for sign language.”
Along with interpretation, DesJardins also spent time with the cast, teaching them how to fingerspell the ASL alphabet, along with imparting some history that resonated with Michaila Mitchell, who plays Sullivan.
“She talked about how it was illegal for a period for teachers in schools to teach ASL,” Mitchell said. “So deaf pupils were expected to communicate without sign language, which is why Annie teaches Helen at her home. I was so surprised when I heard that.”
Mitchell is a stage vet in her home state of Idaho, having appeared in several productions in high school and college. She is making her TAPA debut with “The Miracle Worker.”
“I'm a teacher, so it's kind of ironic,” said Mitchell, who teaches music as well as fourth and fifth grade. “I teach all day and then I come here and my character is a teacher. But I really enjoy it. I actually love the character. I think we're kind of similar in a lot of ways.”
Mitchell’s character is the titular “miracle worker” in the play, a title given to the real-life Sullivan by Mark Twain, who became a close friend to Keller.
“[Keller] was so intelligent, and all she needed was someone to give her an opportunity to be able to express her intelligence,” Mitchell said. “I imagine that sometimes all that a person needs is an opportunity to really be able to be their best self and show that off.”
At a recent technical rehearsal, Harper sat on the edge of the stage as her actors, in various stages of 1880s garb, approached her in waves getting approval and feedback on their costumes. Harper reflected on the inspirational story of Keller.
“Can you imagine having emotions, but having no words to put with them?” she said. “I want [audiences] to be inspired. It would be great if they would really imagine what it's like for people with disabilities, and pick up some empathy, some knowledge, maybe be interested in learning more about her story and other people who live with disabilities and that they can achieve so much.”
“The Miracle Worker” opens on Friday, May 29, and runs through June 14, with performances at 7 pm on Fridays and Saturdays, and 2 pm matinées on Sundays. Tickets are $20 for adults and $15 for kids aged 12 and younger. The Barn Community Playhouse is located at 1204 Ivy Avenue in Tillamook. For more information, go to tillamooktheater.com or call 503-812-0275.