Casting of Abigail Breslin as Helen Keller Angers Deaf, Blind Groups

By PopEater Staff Posted Oct 29th 2009 12:25PM

It was announced Wednesday that 13-year-old Abigail Breslin will play Helen Keller in the Broadway revival of 'The Miracle Worker' this winter. But the news is being met with extreme opposition by blind and deaf advocacy groups, simply because of Breslin's ability to see and hear.

"We do not think it's O.K. for reputable producers to cast this lead role without seriously considering an actress from our community," said Sharon Jensen, executive director of the Alliance for Inclusion in the Arts, to the New York Times. "I understand how difficult it is to capitalize a new production on Broadway, but that to me is not the issue. There are other, larger human and artistic issues at stake here."

The show's producer, David Richenthal, made it clear that he wanted a star to play Keller in order to ensure commercial success, and he was unable to find a blind or deaf child actor who fit the bill. Breslin's star power stems from her Academy Award nomination for her role as Olive in 'Little Miss Sunshine.'

"It's simply naïve to think that in this day and age, you'll be able to sell tickets to a play revival solely on the potential of the production to be a great show or on the potential for an unknown actress to give a breakthrough performance," he said. "I would consider it financially irresponsible to approach a major revival without making a serious effort to get a star."

The producers do plan to audition blind and deaf actresses for Breslin's understudy, however, in a compromise that Richenthal says will still allow for high ticket sales. But he stressed that a seeing and hearing actress may be cast as understudy if they cannot find a "qualified" deaf or blind actress.

Helen Keller was a deaf and blind author and activist. 'The Miracle Worker' follows the relationship between Keller and Anne Sullivan -- the woman who taught her to communicate.

Tags: abigail breslin, AbigailBreslin

Comments

(111)

Thursday 29 October

By Abigail's Ghost

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If they hadn't told them how would they have known? Are you freaking kidding me??? What, blind and deaf people don't have Braille to read or the ability to read lips... of course as a blind or deaf person they would easily hear (figuratively!) about this production because it has some interest to them (being that they are either blind / deaf or both). I don't think there really should be a problem with Abigail playing the part though - Patty Duke did an amazing job in 1962, Abigail will do as well I am sure. Could there be a blind and deaf actress out there to play the role - possibly - but the producers don't have months or years to find her!

By Crystal

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I only have one thing to say to this- Patty Duke

By Dorothy

Please let me preclude my comments. I've been Hard of Hearing and wore hearing aids all my life. That being said, I do not think it necessary for the actress casted for the part of Helen Keller to be deaf or blind. Patty Duke was fantastic in the original. Isn't it why they call it acting? It's a movie not a commercial. Let's focus on the real issues.

By patty

That's why they call it ACTING!!

By Gracey

Exactly!

By jEREMY

Ye Gods! Qualified actress gets role! Call in the National Guard!

Friday 06 November

By strattan

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famous and qualified are very different concepts. Would a white man be qualified to play Martin Luther King? I suppose he would if he were famous enough to pull in sufficient box office receipts. The real crime is the people who go see tacky broadway shows because they know the name of the movie actor that's been cast, when hundreds of more talented and more appropriate stage actors were overlooked.

By AOL

Okay, obviously some people have no insight on the Deaf Culture. Deaf people get upset over this because, to them, it is the world's way of saying deaf people cannot function in a hearing world. So, do some research on the Deaf Culture and put yourselves in their shoes. I am not trying to advertise anything, but read the book "Triumph of the Spirit" by Dr. Angel M. Ramos. That should educate you.

By kcdgenius

why are deaf and blind people trying to discriminate against people who are able to see and hear? Shouldnt the BEST person for the job, get the job, regardless of whether or not they have disabilities? Isnt that what equality means?

What makes her the best person for the job?

Saturday 31 October

By Lisa

As I recall, Patty Duke made the movie famous and she is neither deaf or blind. Melissa Gilber also played the part and is neither blind or deaf.

By Chris

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If there is an actress within the deaf/blind community whose skill and talent in her trade warrant being awarded the part of Helen Keller, I think it would be appropriate to choose that person. I would have no qualms about an actress such as Abigail Breslin playing the part, but I think is better to look at actresses whose life experiences are more parallel to Helen's.

By dawn

Man get a grip.Thats what acting is,,,ACTING blind,deaf,autistic,,,whatever!Dustin Hoffman isnt autistic an he played the part exceptionaly well.Abigail will ACT blind an deaf in her part.Shut the heck up about a blind person playing the part.They obviously picked the best person for the part.Get over it and stop putting drama where drama isnt needed.

By melanie

Oh, shut up already! I am so sick of every organization or group whining about this or that.

By ericnorthman

what next, only killers can play killers, only gays and lesbians can play gays and lesbians, only doctors can play doctors, shut fk up people

By tana green

The disability closet is deep and locked on the outside. And I see that's how you all want it to stay.

By cyndi

All these groups say they don't want to be discriminated against, but they certainly do expect special treatment. You can't do anything without someone or some group getting mad. People need to lighten up. If their disability didn't bother them, they wouldn't get so upset about this kind of stuff. They should just be happy that such a wonderful young actress will be portraying someone as amazing as Helen Keller.

By Mark

This Just In! Life is not fair, deal with it.

By Ellie

No opinion on if a blind and/or deaf actress should have been cast instead. Just wanted to mention that Abigail Breslin did a great job playing the blind little girl Sandy in the season 2 NCIS episode Hear No Evil.

By Dot

All this hubbub reminded me of an experience at the local community theater. The dance/singing director came back stage one evening nearly in tears laughing. We were doing "Annie". He had been stopped by "an older lady" as he said complimenting him on the play and praising the theater for allowing people with disabilities to take part in the production! She was talking about FDR who was pushed around the stage in a wheelchair! The director said the woman was old enough to know that FDR had polio and who, at times, used a wheelchair.
Everyone had a good laugh, even my husband who was playing FDR - he claims that was the best play he ever did; he didn't have to remember any of his blocking (where he had to move too)!!!!

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