Annie+Helen

Annie Sullivan and Helen Keller met in 1887 – a meeting that irrevocably changed both their lives. The 25-year-old Annie feels like a broken puzzle incorrectly put together, while 12-year-old Helen is trapped in a dark limbo – unable to see, hear, or speak. An intense and moving battle between these two broken individuals ensues. It is a battle that unfolds around the dining room table with skirmishes that take place in sign language. A battle for both Annie and Helen’s survival.
In a world where trauma has become watered down and commonplace, this story of two formidable women and the people surrounding them, encourages us to stop and think about the lessons that can be learned from trauma, and the incredible resilience that comes from those lessons. Central to Annie’s struggle is the concept of language – an essential part of Helen’s spiritual growth. Annie understands that language is to the mind as necessary as light to the eye. Without it the doors to Helen’s world will forever remain closed. Hattingh was awarded a Kanna award for her portrayal of Helen.