←Recommendations of Dorothy's Dictionary

Dorothy's Dictionary was one of five finalists that received readings during our annual New Year/New Plays Festival in January of 2021. A gorgeous, heartfelt, and heart-warming piece about hopes and dreams, personal integrity, the power of words, and the impact of human connection and interaction. A lovely two-hander with universal staying power.

A powerful play with vivid characters, a compelling story, and beautiful writing. As with so much of EM Lewis’ writing, the power of this piece lies in what is what the characters are not able to say which leads to incredibly charged scenes. I found myself simultaneously holding my breath and tearing up reading this. Highly recommended

A play that hits on themes of affirming life and passing knowledge. The two characters have little in common at first, but soon find themselves making the most of their shared experience. Literary references are sprinkled in, but they come organically from the librarian, while the teenager shares his own stories. A nice little play that will stay with you.

E. M. LEWIS’s play, “Dorothy’s Dictionary”, actually brought tears to my eyes. A troubled youth is forced to meet a Librarian in her hospital room and perform community service. He doesn’t want to be there. She loves books, words, and ideas; he has lost his mother and himself. As they get to know one another, a bond develops which helps both of them in different ways. The ending is so sweet, so beautiful, so wonderful. I truly was moved by this extraordinary play.

Warm and inviting, with literary and linguistic complexities that engage the imagination, while this story - A connection that buds and grows between Dorothy and Zan - helps them both make new discoveries. Lewis's penchant for relatable, resonant dialogue and beautifully-rich character development sets us on a journey right along with them.

I recently had the distinct pleasure of hearing a Zoom reading of Dorothy's Dictionary. I just now read the play because I wanted to taste it again. This is a quiet play that touches the heart and mind at every turn. This is a play about giving and receiving, and the result of kindness and encouragement. I love Lewis' work because there is always beauty in it.