Iconic 19th century author Jane Austen entered the life of Hunter writer and director Sallyanne Scotton Moonga the "traditional" way: through a smouldering Colin Firth emerging from a lake in a wet shirt.
That was 1995's BBC adaptation of Pride and Prejudice, and it opened her eyes to the subtleties of Austen's prose (and Mr Darcy's pecs).
"That's when I began reading her works, and I realised they were so much more than romances or sentimental novels," Scotton Moonga says.
"They bring social satire, biting wit and shrewd observations on human nature."
Fast forward to 2025, and Scotton Moonga is poised to mark the 250th anniversary of Austen's birth with a stage adaptation of one of the literary great's lesser-known works, Northanger Abbey.
The classic parody will light up Warners Bay Theatre, baramayiba, for two shows on Saturday 11 October, at 2pm and 7pm.
Northanger Abbey sees teenage protagonist Catherine Morland so swept up in books that she begins to wish her real life has the same excitement as the Gothic novels she's reading.
"This could easily describe any number of teenagers today," Scotton Moonga says.
"The clothes may have changed, but human nature remains the same."
Based in Lake Macquarie, Scotton Moonga says that while the language, story and costumes remain faithful to the period, her play is much faster paced than traditional Jane Austen adaptations.
"We have a small cast of seven actors, most of whom play dual roles and are sometimes required to change characters multiple times in a scene," she says.
"There is a single set which is adapted and manipulated by the actors to create the different settings, aided by shadow puppetry projections."
Scotton Moonga, who has previously featured in Council's One Act Play festival, says Northanger Abbey's relative obscurity allowed her more creative freedom, as well as the chance to introduce the book to a wider audience.
"Additionally, being a parody of gothic literature, it has allowed me to play around with mixing genres – romance, comedy and horror – in a way none of her other books could," she says.
Lake Macquarie City Council Coordinator Lifelong Learning and Engagement Kirrily Anderson said Northanger Abbey was supported by Lake Mac Arts.
"This innovative work is another example of our commitment to nurturing and developing local theatrical talent and the performing arts," she said.
The Saturday performances are among a suite of 'Jane Austen 250' events, exhibitions, festivals and performances held worldwide throughout 2025 to mark the semiquincentenary of Austen's birth in North Hampshire, in December 1775.
Go to arts.lakemac.com.au for bookings and more information.
