'The Miracle Worker' tells story of Helen Keller and her teacher, Annie Sullivan

The WWU Department of Theatre Arts will present "The Miracle Worker," directed by WWU Theatre instructor Patrick Dizney, from May 19 to 23 in the Performing Arts Center Mainstage Theater. The play also ran from May 13 to 16.

"The story of 'The Miracle Worker' is one of the most inspiring of our times, relating the triumph of Helen Keller over seemingly insurmountable obstacles," Dizney said.

The play centers on the relationship between young Helen Keller, who lost her sight and hearing as an infant, and her teacher Annie Sullivan, who, through perseverance and guile, reaches into Helen's world and brings her the gift of language: sign language.

"But the play is so much more than their relationship … all of the characters transform. They are trying to overcome obstacles in their own lives, cannot do so alone, and must find the 'key' in others," Dizney said. "We all unlock the potential in each other. To me, that is the essential message of the play."

Originally a teleplay written by William Gibson, "The Miracle Worker" premiered on Broadway in 1959, starring Patty Duke as the irascible Helen Keller and Ann Bancroft as the unyielding Annie Sullivan. The play was then adapted into the famous feature-length film, in which Duke and Bancroft reprised their roles.

"The Miracle Worker" will show at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday, May 19 to 22, as well as at 2 p.m. on Sunday, May 23. All performances will be held in the PAC Mainstage Theater.

Tickets are available through the WWU Box Office and cost $12 for adults, $10 for seniors and WWU faculty and staff, and $9 for students.

WWU Box Office hours are 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday and one hour prior to the performance. For tickets or disability accommodations for the performance, please contact the WWU Box Office at (360) 650-6146 or visit http://www.tickets/wwu.edu.

For additional information, please call the Department of Theatre Arts at (360) 650-3876 or visit http://www.wwu.edu/depts/theatre/.