The play tells the story of Esme Nicoll, a sideline observer to her father and his male colleagues determining which words make the cut into the dictionary’s first edition ,and explores the importance of recognising voices that have been historically excluded.

We spoke to performers Shannen Alyce Quan (Esme) and Angela Nica Sullen (Tilda), about bringing the story to life on stage and the resonance of ‘who gets a voice’ – from what words make it into the dictionary, to the suffrage movement and its modern-day relevance.

What are you enjoying about sharing this story on stage?

Angela – I hadn’t read [the book] prior and came to the story with fresh eyes. It’s exciting to work with the adaptation and bring the characters to life without my own perceptions or expectation. And there’s the deliciousness of the book to refer back to!

Shannen – It’s an intimate theatre space and audiences are close to the action, it’s a great opportunity to be immersed in the world of Esme. There tends to be a community sense too – often those that have read it as part of book clubs – and becomes a shared experience.

The play is set in late 1800s, how do the themes translate for a contemporary audience?

Shannen – The show encapsulates the power of women finding their voice, via the suffragette movement however we [continue] to see marginalised voices today. There’s a power dynamic of ‘who gets to decide’ and who deserves to be heard on the public record.

For Esme and the world she exists in, there are social and environmental factors that have great impact on her and the women around her.

Angela – The themes in the play are incredibly relevant – history and present time are aligning. These are current themes, we’re repeating history – the autonomy of people’s body, giving people a voice, this is evident today.

It’s a reminder for all of us – our words are powerful, and how we live and exchange with each other. The play is multi-layered and certainly mirrors our lives.

Theatre is a one of the oldest places to learn – it’s an equaliser and there’s the magic of listening to a story. There’s a commonality of the dictionary – it’s a shared experience – but we learn through Esme and how she’s shaped.

The Dictionary of Lost Words

29 May – 7 June

Illawarra Performing Arts Centre

Tickets at merrigong.com.au

Merrigong Talking Point

“Words As Weapons – How can language be used to both empower and oppress?”

Sat 31 May

Free event, after the 1.30pm performance