‘A man of words’
Terry Pratt plays dictionary writer Samuel Johnson in ‘Yr. Obedient Servant,’ a play coming to the Faculty Lounge of UPEI’s Main Building on Jan. 5
Terry Pratt has spent much of his life looking up to Samuel Johnson.
He’s the 18th century author, conversationalist and personality who, in spite of facing countless challenges, put together the first true dictionary for English.
“He is my literary hero. I’ve been reading him since I was 18. I’ve also taught him in my classes,” says the UPEI professor emeritus who, like Johnson, is a lexicologist.
“I admire him for that. His influence has been enormous,” says Pratt, general consulting editor of the “Gage Canadian Dictionary” and author of the “Dictionary of Prince Edward Island English”. Besides sharing a love for words, they share a few character traits.
“I certainly don’t have his brilliance, but (like me) he’s very hard on himself, prone to depression and yet he fights on to achieve his goal.”
So, it’s not surprising to hear that Pratt is achieving his dream of starring in a one-man play about his hero. “Yr. Obedient Servant’, co-produced by Vagabond Productions’, will be performed at the Faculty Lounge of Main Building at UPEI on Jan. 5 at 7:30 p.m.
Described as a “slice of 18th century life” its most recent performance, last January, was in Johnson’s own house in England, featuring Olivier Award-winning actor, Matthew Kelly.
“The play is about Johnson’s life. It’s fun. It’s also a little bit intimidating because this time I’m doing the whole play,” says Pratt, who presented the first act only, “Dictionary Johnson” from 20042007 at schools and seniors’ community homes on P.E.I., as well as at the P.E.I. Theatre Festival and a conference at Boston University.
Returning as director for the full-length play is Ann Boyles.
“Terry described it as being on his bucket list. So, I’m all about helping people achieve the things on their bucket list,” says the UPEI English professor. “Being a dictionary man and a gifted actor when this script fell into Terry’s hands, he was very pleased. So, when he decided to do this remount with both acts, I was quite interested in it.”
Pratt says his interest in the play, written by Kay Eldridge, came after studying Johnson’s life.
Born on Sept. 18, 1709, Samuel was the son of Michael Johnson, a bookseller, and his wife, Sarah.
“He was a frail child. They baptized him that same evening because they didn’t think he was going to life through the night. When he survived his parents hired a strong wet nurse, so he would be well-nourished. But, when it was too late they discovered she had tuberculosis and gave him various scars on his face, made him blind in one eye and deaf in one ear.
“It more or less weakened his health,” says Pratt.
But, somehow, he manages to rise above his issues, marry and lead a successful life.
“He just makes his way by sheer effort and intelligence and becomes the man of words, after whom the age is sometimes named.”