This article was first posted in the Blind Perspective in 2017.
When I was in my early twenties, I was a part of a community theatre group. We performed musicals once a year in the local theatre.
The first year, We put on the musical,”,”Brigadoon”. I was young enough to be cast as a dancer in the chorus. During the practice sessions, I wore my glasses so I would be able to learn the steps and see where all the props and cast members were located.
As opening night approached, the director pointed out that young women of the 1600’s didn’t wear glasses. I was forced to perform without them. My sight was very poor without the glasses but I had learned all the dance steps and knew where all the props were to be placed.
On opening night, We had a dance number swirling around a large trunk as the leading lady packed her possessions before her wedding. Unfortunately for me the stage hands didn’t place the trunk in the correct position on the stage.
performing my steps, I fell head over heels into the open trunk. The dancing continue as I smiled and staying in character , extracted myself to continue to dance
One of the rules that you learn as am actor is never break character so after I did my flip I brushed myself off and continued to dance. I must have done a good job because my parents in the audience didn’t notice anything amiss.
When We preformed our next musical,”Fiddler On The Roof”The director cast me as an old grandma. He explained that I could keep my wired rim glasses on in that costume. I would be forced to move much slower . I didn’t have a problem and preformed flawlessly.
Performing with low vision has its challenges. With a little planning, a person with low vision can perform with confidence.
Now I have no vision. Continuing to perform for groups, I give oral readings of my poetry. It is important to encourage the next generation of writers to reach for the stars.
Star Gazing
I see the light
So far from my reach
Dust sprinkles me with hope
carving the peace from the whole
choosing to save
what to discard
polished
they take a place
in my world
Carolaspot@aol.com
August 21,2023
traveling up and down the blind highway 