Words can be powerful. As a lover of words and a feminist I was very keen to see – The Dictionary of Lost Words based on the bestselling book by Pip Williams. It’s on now at The Playhouse, QPAC and adapted by Verity Laughton. I wondered. Would it retain all the magic and originality of the story?
It does. This production shared the story of Esme Nicholls, a sheltered girl whose life revolves around her father’s work at the Scriptorium. It is here in the ‘ Scrippy’ where a group of dedicated men are compiling words and quotes for the very first edition of the Oxford English Dictionary. For many this is their life’s work.
Esme sits under the table and collects the scraps of words that no – one wants or the double ups and begins her own collection of words which she secretes upstairs to hide in a travelling chest. This chest becomes her ‘Dictionary of Lost Words’. In time Esme begins collecting her own words- women’s words, some words which are not deemed suitable for the regular dictionary. Later they become a book of their own.
Esme’s life is not straightforward. She is an innocent and sheltered girl who experiences her own trials and hardships as she makes her way in the world. This sweeping historical tale tells of the suffragette movement, the role of women in pre – war time and the beginnings of the First World War, but it’s also a story about love, learning and life.
Esme does find romantic love along the way but she also experiences loss and grief. Words are always her comfort. The gift of words enables her to always find her way back into the world. This play is funny, emotional and heartwarming and had this writer wiping away tears by the end.
The set and projections were a bonus giving life to the story. An added shout out to the wonderful Lucy Hayes who stepped into the role of Esme after the illness of the lead actor.
‘The Dictionary of Lost Words’ – A Play is only on here in Brisbane until May 10 and I believe it is almost sold out. Nab a ticket if you can. It’s a beautiful story written by a lovely Australian author who also knows the power of words.
It’s a beautiful reflection on the love between a father and a daughter, a time in history (1880’s), the rights of women and the evolution of words. A wonderful matinee performance to attend which was enjoyed by the full house audience. Bravo to the cast and crew!
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