THE CONUNDRUM OVER BLIND VS. SIGHTED ACTORS

I raised the question of why a blind actor wasn’t cast to play a blind character when I was contracted to train sighted juvenile actor Jake Cherry to portray a 10 year old blind echolocater for the Criminal Minds episode “The Big Wheel”. I was told that they tried, but the pool of juvenile actors who were blind was very small. They said that they auditioned dozens of boys for that part before finding the best fit, and I have to say that Jake did a stellar job, both in terms of a convincing portrayal as well as his excellent responsiveness to my work with him.

There are times when being a blind actor doesn’t necessarily make you the best actor for a given role, even if the role is that of a blind character. There are lots and lots of sighted people who are rubbish at playing sighted characters.

I have been approached by several production companies about making a feature film about my work. Discussions are on the table about who might be cast to play me at various points in my life, and some of these on the list are, indeed, very big name actors, and for some of the same  reasons raised in the discussion about financing the movie “Blind”.

Very simply, big actors draw big interest. While I have huge interest in identifying blind actors to portray me, it is most important to me that the best actors are found, blind or otherwise. My primary concern is in the overall accuracy and compellingness of their portrayal. Whoever they are, they will, of course, be prepared by me for the part, whether blind or not.

Understandably, this sets up a catch-22 of finding roles that are suitable for actors and actresses who are blind, while at the same time finding blind actors and actresses who are suitable for playing roles. I, too, would like to see more blind actors and actresses out there, and I wish to support the cause. I would hope that actors who are blind would receive the same quality of training and opportunities for consideration as their sighted peers.

Daniel Kish

Consulting on Blindness Issues for Radio and Podcasts

If your upcoming program includes a theme or storyline related to blindness, we can help you infuse it with authentic anecdotes and elements from a combined 140+ years of living with blindness. We can provide expert opinion on unique and cutting-edge techniques and ideas that integrate assistive technology, as well as the latest research knowledge into the mix, to ensure that your production is up-to-date with the latest advancements in our knowledge about how the brain can be trained to re-wire itself to see with sound. We can also help to ensure that your project provides a realistic portrayal of blind persons that respects their dignity and capabilities.

We also consult and can contribute to programs on issues that affect the day to day lives of blind and sighted people.

Get in touch and let us know how we can be of service to contribute to the success of your Radio Program or Podcast,

Call us toll-free (in the United States) at +1 866-396-7035 or email info@visioneers.org

CONSULTING AND CONTENT FOR ONLINE AND PRINT ARTICLES