On 18th July 1817, Jane Austen died in the arms of her sister Cassandra “I have lost such a treasure”, Cassandra wrote of her loss, “such a sister, such a friend as never can have been surpassed.” Cassandra had lost sister and friend, but the world had lost its greatest novelist – far, far too early! 2017 marks the anniversary of the death of Jane Austen. All over the world, people are marking the occasion and celebrating the talent and genius of Jane Austen. Exhibitions, talks, performances, discussions, church services are all being planned in order to commemorate Jane Austen and her legacy.
The Jane Austen Society of Australia is a member-based association founded in 1989 to bring together lovers and admirers of Jane Austen in this part of the world. We number academics and scholars amongst our members, but we are mostly enthusiastic amateurs who meet to discuss the genius of Austen and to explore the era that gave rise to her.
Although based in Sydney, we have members in all states of Australia and overseas, and we warmly welcome visitors to our events.
We produce regular publications, have a member’s library, and sell Austen-inspired items through our Regency Fair stall at meetings.
Find out more about becoming a member of JASA, or read the latest updates from JASA’s Facebook page here.
We have exciting news to share with you. Adrian Lukis, the actor who so memorably played Mr Wickham in the BBC 1995 Pride and Prejudice is coming to Sydney. Adrian has appeared in many well known TV series and films – Downton Abbey, The Crown, Chandler & Co, Peak Practice, The Casebook of Sherlock Holmes, Grantchester, Silent Witness, Death in Paradise and Toast of London, to name just a few. We are so lucky to have him visiting Sydney and performing for JASA.
Originally we had two events planned; one was for the Saturday 20 October, however, this event is now totally BOOKED. Unfortunately due to the popularity of this event, we do not have any more places left.
MAKE SURE YOU BOOK FOR THE SPECIAL EVENT ON SUNDAY 21 OCTOBER. TICKETS ARE SELLING FAST!
AN AFTERNOON WITH JANE AUSTEN
Adrian Lukis will act out scenes from Jane Austen’s novels with JASA President, Susannah Fullerton (who has several years of dramatic training) in a performance lasting about 60 minutes. Devonshire Tea and the chance to chat with Adrian and possibly be photographed with him will follow this performance.
WHEN: Sunday 20 October 2019
WHERE: Club York at 95-99 York Street, Sydney (where JASA holds its Christmas lunches)
TIME: 2pm for 2.30pm start of the performance and the event finishes at 4.30pm
WHO: JASA members and members of the public
COST: $40 ticket
HOW TO BOOK: There are 3 ways you can do this
1. JASA members or visitors attending the JASA meeting at the Uniting Church Hall, 7 Lord Street, Roseville on Saturday 17 August 2019 will be able to purchase tickets with cash or cheque.
OR
2. Online booking of tickets at: https://jasa.com.au/store/?model_number=An-Afternoon-With-Jane-Austen
OR
3. By sending a cheque to Amanda Jones at 8 Cevu Avenue, Willoughby, NSW, 2068.
You must state the number of tickets you are purchasing and if you want your ticket/s emailed to you or posted. You must include your email address or postal address.
BOOKINGS CLOSE: Thursday 10 October 2019
MAXIMUM NUMBER: 300
This year JASA turns 30. What better way is there to celebrate our anniversary than by being entertained by such a fine English actor who took part in the most successful Jane Austen film adaptation of all time. Your committee has worked hard to arrange these fabulous events for you. We do hope you will attend them both and help us welcome Mr Wickham to Australia!
Book soon if you wish to attend!
Sanditon starts Sunday 25 August, 9pm on ITV.
New period drama, Sanditon, starts Sunday 25 August, 9pm on ITV.
Don’t forget to book for our special event on Sunday 20 October. Book now to ensure you don’t miss out!
Today we had the absolute pleasure of listening to JASA member Charles Guillan deliver his lecture entitled, “An Ideal Husband”. What a wonderful talk he delivered for all who attended today. It was such a well-researched and entertaining talk about a topic that everybody loved.
Charles's lecture included a discussion of the men in Jane Austen’s novels: the good, the bad and the foolish. The male characters were examined and compared to determine the burning question: what are the qualities that make a man worthy of marrying a Jane Austen heroine? Most importantly, Charles made everyone want to immediately go back to the books to read them again. Thank you, Charles for the work you did in researching this fascinating topic.
Thanks to the members who came out today - it was a very well-attended event. Don’t forget that our next JASA events are the Adrian Lukis events, held on Saturday 19th and Sunday 20th October.
