Sheryl Faye as Helen Keller. (Photo submitted)
WESTFIELD – The Central Baptist Church at 115 Elm St. will present Sheryl Faye as Helen Keller in a free performance open to Westfield and the surrounding community Nov. 17, from 3 to 4 p.m.
Sheryl Faye has been offering one-woman programs on historical women since 2003, performing to schools, libraries, historical societies, senior centers and women’s organizations. Her portrayals include Clara Barton: A Great Humanitarian, Laura Ingalls Wilder: The Writer of The Frontier, Amelia Earhart: Pioneer of Aviation, and Sally Ride – Americas First Woman Astronaut, all written by Joan Schaeffer.
In Helen Keller, Champion of the Disabled, the program is written from Helen’s mind’s eye. The story is told on a taped voice over as Faye reenacts Keller’s full life, from her childhood through her discovery of language when she was seven years old to the writing of her 12 books.
“This is one of our most unique, very special programs which helps (the audience) understand and accept the different ways people do the same things and inspires them to be the best they can be with the talents they possess,” according to a description of the program on sherylfaye.com.
The performance is 45 minutes, with a question and answer period following.
Church member Anne Woodson said she recommended the program after she and her husband saw Faye in a historical presentation at the Noble Cooley Drum Factory in Granville.
“She was doing Abigail Adams at that presentation and we were so impressed that we thought it would be a great idea to host her and bring this very educational presentation to Westfield. Central Baptist Church is our church and has a large sanctuary that can easily accommodate a presentation like this,” Woodson said, adding that she has been in touch with Franklin Avenue and Abner Gibbs elementary schools, letting them know about the performance.
“We’re excited about it,” said Central Baptist Pastor Jerrie Matney. She said they hope to have Faye return to do other presentations, too.
The program is free and open to everyone.
