Emeritus Professor Pam Peters, co-creator of the Macquarie Dictionary, recently reviewed the Sydney Theatre Company’s stage adaptation of Pip Williams’ best-selling book. The play, showcased at the Sydney Opera House Drama Theatre, received a standing ovation on its opening night.
The production delves into the historical narrative surrounding the creation of the original Oxford English Dictionary, bringing to life characters from the Victorian era who were involved in the meticulous compilation of the dictionary. The engaging dialogue among characters, intertwined with explorations of words, added depth to the storyline.
The play’s setting revolves around the editorial table, symbolizing the famous Scriptorium where dictionary entries were meticulously crafted. More than 700 pigeonholes adorned the stage, representing the extensive store of information about words under consideration. This visual representation highlighted the monumental task of dictionary-making undertaken by the characters.
The narrative unfolds with a focus on the central character, Esme Nichols, portrayed from childhood to adulthood amidst the backdrop of the women’s suffrage movement in the UK. The play intricately weaves together Esme’s personal growth with significant societal events, offering a poignant reflection on language, gender, and social change.
Adept staging techniques were employed to seamlessly transition between different settings, such as the streets of Bath and the editorial scriptorium in Oxford. These visual cues, along with projections of key words and scene changes, enhanced the audience’s immersion in the storyline.
The performances by the cast, particularly Tilda Cobham-Hervey in the role of Esme, brought vitality and emotional depth to the characters. The nuanced portrayals of relationships, from familial dynamics to bonds forged in the suffragette movement, added layers of complexity to the narrative.
Emeritus Professor Pam Peters commended the play for its authenticity in capturing the essence of dictionary-making and the societal context of the time. The meticulous attention to detail, both in the script and staging, resonated with audiences and critics alike.
For those intrigued by the stage adaptation of ‘The Dictionary of Lost Words,’ based on Williams’ acclaimed novel, the play is set to run at the Sydney Opera House Drama Theatre until December 13, 2023. This theatrical rendition offers a compelling exploration of language, history, and the power of words in shaping our understanding of the world.
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