State Theatre Company of SA has officially opened “The Dictionary of Lost Words,” a stage adaptation of the bestseller by South Australian author Pip Williams.
This much-anticipated production, a collaboration between the State Theatre Company South Australia and the Sydney Theatre Company, stars Tilda Cobham-Hervey and is showcased at the Dunstan Playhouse.
Remarkably, the entire season sold out before the opening night, with 12,500 tickets snapped up. To allow more people to experience this unique story, additional seats with restricted views have been made available.
The play tells the story of Esme, a young girl who decides to save the ‘women’s words’ that are being ignored by the men compiling the first Oxford Dictionary.
Set in 1886 and based on true events, the play takes the audience through Esme’s life, exploring love, loss, and the impact of language. South Australian playwright Verity Laughton adapted the play, and Jessica Arthur directs it.
Alongside Tilda Cobham-Hervey, the play features performances by Ksenja Logos, Brett Archer, Christopher Pitman, Rachel Burke, Angela Mahlatjie, Anthony Yangoyan, and Raj Labade.
Minster for Arts Andrea Michaels is incredibly excited to welcome the Dictionary of Lost Words to the stage 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.”
Artistic Director Mitchell Butel says it’s 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.”
Tilda Cobham-Hervey said “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.”
“The Dictionary of Lost Words” will run at the Dunstan Playhouse until October 14, before moving to the Sydney Opera House.
The Dictionary of Lost Words
Where: Dunstan Playhouse, Adelaide Festival Centre
When: 27 September – 14 October
For more information and to purchase the additional tickets, click here.
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