Jasper Jones journeys on to the stage and screen

The stage adaptation of the book opens at the Civic Theatre on March 1, the day before the film based on Jasper Jones is released.

Before all of that, Jasper Jones’ creator is coming to Newcastle. Author Craig Silvey and the film’s director, Rachel Perkins, are on stage at the Civic Theatre on Tuesday to discuss the book and movie.

Vanessa Hutchins, the manager of the Civic Theatre, thought it was the ideal time to invite Silvey and Perkins to Newcastle, so that fans of Jasper Jones could listen to the pair and ask questions.

“The gods aligned with the stage play opening, then the movie, so we thought, ‘Let’s make the most of the moment to unpack a great novel’,” she said.

“We’re becoming Jasper Jones Central.”

Since it was published in 2009, Jasper Jones has been a bestseller for Silvey. The novel is a coming-of-age tale and a mystery. It tells the story of a teenager in a small community who helps the town outcast, Jasper Jones, after he discovers a gruesome secret.     

The Civic Theatre event with Silvey and Perkins is essentially a book club meeting, involving Newcastle and Port Stephens libraries. 

Vanessa Hutchins said she expected more than 300 would be attending the event, including school groups who studied Jasper Jones.

“It’s the first time there’s been the book club on this large a scale,” she said.

The libraries have been spreading the word about the author and the director coming to town. Port Stephens Council’s Library Services Manager, Kris Abbott, said the novel was very popular among borrowers.    

Thirty-eight Port Stephens-based fans had booked to travel by bus to attend the event, Ms Abbott said. 

Among those hopping on a bus will be Raymond Terrace Library technician Nada Voorbij.

“I can’t wait,” Ms Voorbij said. “It’s one of my favourite books. You can’t predict the outcome, it’s quintessentially Australian, and it’s one of those books that will stay with you.”