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t o u c h

A painting of Helen Keller and Anne Sullivan, as a poster for the opera 'touch' the title of the opera is listed in Braille and English with the text "An opera about the life of Helen Keller" written below Composer/librettist Carla Lucero and co-librettist Marianna Mott Newirth

A Chamber Opera in Two Acts About the Radical Life of Helen Keller

Music by Carla Lucero
Libretto by Carla Lucero & Marianna Mott Newirth
Commissioned by Opera Birmingham

World Premiere January 19 & 21, 2024
90 minutes running time
FORCES:
1 Actor - 8 Singers - 10 Instruments

Many know the story of Helen Keller and her teacher, Anne Sullivan. Few know that DeafBlind Helen fiercely advocated for Women’s Suffrage, the anti-war effort, the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Civil Rights Movement. She was also co-founder of the ACLU. 'touch' depicts the complicated, life-long relationship between Helen and Anne. Their star-crossed romances and individual desires (and fears) of independence test the limits of their enduring connection.

Originating cast of t o u c h 1.19.2024

Alie B Gorrie - Helen Keller

Michelle Drever - Anne Sullivan Macy

Catherine Goode - Helen's Voice

Caleb Clark - John Macy

Patrick Bessenbacher - Peter Fagan

Emily Pulley - Kate Keller

Sarah Coit - Polly Thomson

Hunter Enoch - Arthur Keller

David Morgans - James Keller

Stage & Intimacy Direction by Sara Widzer | Music Conducted by Mary Chun

World Premiere at Opera Birmingham

Photos by Stewart Edmonds

picture of the complete stage setting with costumed performers in place, curtains hanging around the set an Helen Keller sitting with John Macy on the stage sofa.

a woman and man dressed in period costume sing an aria together about raising a special needs child in the late 1800's.

Image from the opening scene in the opera touch about the life of Helen Keller. Helen is wearing graduation robes, Anne Sullivan is holding her graduation cap and the two are celebrating their accomplishment with a choir dressed in period costume singing around them.

Three performers playing John Macy, Helen Keller and Anne Sullivan sit on the sofa as John fingerspells his name into Helen's hand. Her choir stands around them commenting on the character qualities of John Macy that are lacking.

Anne Sullivan and Helen Keller standing on stage as Anne berrates Helen for reading a romance novel in Braille. Helen's choir stands in the background feeling a bit mad about the whole situation.

Three powerful women standing together smiling, proud of their accomplishment.

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