The Malinauskas Labor Government is delighted to welcome the highly-anticipated stage adaptation of South Australian author Pip Williams’ bestselling The Dictionary of Lost Words to the stage.
The co-production between State Theatre Company South Australia and the Sydney Theatre Company starring Australian actress Tilda Cobham-Hervey (I Am Woman, Hotel Mumbai, Things I Know To Be True) officially opens today at the Dunstan Playhouse.
For the first time in the history of the State Theatre Company South Australia, the entire season sold out before opening night with 12,500 tickets sold so far.
As a result, additional restricted view seats have been made available so more people can enjoy the remarkable story of Esme, a young girl who takes it upon herself to preserve the ‘women’s words’ being neglected by her father and the men creating the first Oxford Dictionary.
Set in 1886 and based on true events, the sweeping historical tale takes audiences from Esme’s formative years in the Scriptorium right into adulthood where she navigates love, loss and the power of language.
It has been adapted by South Australian playwright Verity Laughton (Long Tan) under the direction of Jessica Arthur (Chalkface, Wonnangatta).
Alongside Tilda Cobham-Hervey as Esme Nicoll, it stars Ksenja Logos (Gaslight) as Ditte and Mabel, Brett Archer (A View from the Bridge) as Harry Nicoll, Christopher Pitman (That Eye, The Sky) as Dr Murray, Rachel Burke (Macbeth) as Lizzie, Angela Mahlatjie (A Raisin in The Sun) as Tilda, Anthony Yangoyan (Jailbaby) and Raj Labade (Tell Me I’m Here, The Office Australia) as Gareth.
The Dictionary of Lost Words will be at the Dunstan Playhouse until October 14, after which, it will begin its season at the Sydney Opera House.
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As put by Andrea Michaels
It is incredibly exciting to welcome the Dictionary of Lost Words to the stage here in South Australia.
Based on the bestselling novel by South Australian author Pip Williams, this production is the first State Theatre production to sell out before it had even opened.
It speaks to the remarkable artistic and creative talent we have in our state when we have a sell-out production created by a South Australian playwright based on a novel by a South Australian author.
As put by Artistic Director Mitchell Butel
This is a huge achievement for the State Theatre Company South Australia.
It shows that audiences crave local stories brought to theatrical life and the immense value of investment in this kind of work.
We couldn’t be prouder of the show and the team.
As put by Tilda Cobham-Hervey
It is such a joy to be back on stage performing in my hometown and with State Theatre Company South Australia, a company I have grown up with.
It is an honour to play Esme and it’s been thrilling to see South Australian audiences throw their support behind this production and engage with it so deeply.
