Via the New York Times: Giving Voice to Helen Keller
"Children's books say she's courageous and outspoken, but they don't say about what," said Orman, who is chairman of the political science department at Fairfield University. "She had a whole radical past which I never knew about."
It was all documented in her speeches and letters, which Dr. Orman has pulled together into "Helen Keller Speaks," a cross between a play and a dramatic reading that spans the years 1913 to 1919. Though he has written a number of scholarly books, this is Dr. Orman's first effort at drama.
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| Dr. Orman asked a former student, January Lavoy, also known for her role as Noelle Ortiz in the soap opera "One Life to Live" to perform as Ms. Keller.
"Helen Keller was incredibly articulate, with a biting wit," said Ms. LaVoy, who at 33 is roughly the same age as the Helen Keller she portrays. "It really is quite thrilling to read her words.
"This woman who, with a limited interface with the world, wrote these sweeping passages. It's beautiful. It's incredible."
Ms. LaVoy said that aside from learning about the lesser-known aspects of Ms. Keller's life, there was a unique aspect to her casting.
"As a woman of color, I am thrilled to be able to portray Helen Keller; it's a huge honor," she said. "If Helen Keller looked at me the way she did - through her hands - she would never know the color of me nor would she care."
Despite his expertise in presidential politics and political movements, it wasn't until Dr. Orman read James W. Loewen's book "Lies My Teacher Told Me" that he discovered Ms. Keller the activist.
How many remember reading The Story of My Life in grade school? I did, and it was an eye-opener on so many levels.
Ms. Keller, who lived in Easton most of her adult life and died there in 1968, was outspoken on some of the most contentious and formative social and political issues of her day. In the early 20th century she was a socialist, opposed World War I, supported women's suffrage, was a founding member of the American Civil Liberties Union and generally fought for progressive causes and anyone who was in need.
Imagine the moral courage and selfless giving Helen demonstrated in order to overcome her disabilities (deaf, dumb, blind and without internet access) to accomplish what she did.
By John Orman
Directed by Ryan McKinney
Pepsico Theater
Fairfield University, Fairfield, CT
March 14, 2009 Saturday
4 o'clock and 8 o'clock
$10.00 admission
Proceeds to the American Foundation for the Blind
For tickets, contact Dr. John Orman
(203) 254-4000 est. 2864 or
jorman@mail.fairfield.edu |
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