The Merrigong Theatre Company has taken the drastic step of pulling a planned stage production from its schedule following shocking criminal charges laid against the novel's author, Craig Silvey.
Production Paused Indefinitely Following Court Appearance
The Illawarra Performing Arts Centre was set to host Belvoir Theatre Company's adaptation of Silvey's novel Runt in late September. However, the show's webpage has now been removed and all promotion halted. This decisive action comes after the 43-year-old author appeared in Fremantle Magistrates Court on Tuesday, January 13, 2026.
Silvey faces charges of possessing and distributing child exploitation material, alleged to have occurred between January 7 and 9, 2026. He was granted bail under strict conditions, including a $100,000 personal undertaking and a $100,000 surety. His next court date is scheduled for February 10.
A spokesperson for Belvoir Theatre Company issued a strong statement, saying the company was "aware of the deeply distressing charges" and was taking the matter "very seriously." They confirmed that while Silvey was not directly involved in the stage adaptation, all work on Runt has been "indefinitely paused" while legal proceedings continue.
Books Pulled from Shelves and Schools Nationwide
The fallout from the charges has spread rapidly through the literary and education sectors. Silvey's publisher, Fremantle Press, described the allegations as "shocking and abhorrent" and has ceased all promotion of his book Rhubarb.
Major Australian bookstore chains Dymocks and QBD Books have removed all of Silvey's titles from their physical shelves and online stores. The reaction within the education system has been swift and widespread.
Western Australian Education Minister Sabine Winton was the first to act, ordering schools to stop using Silvey's novels, including the popular Jasper Jones and Rhubarb, as set texts for the 2026 school year. Her decision was quickly mirrored by education departments in New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia, and Tasmania, which have all removed his works from curriculum reading lists and school libraries.
A Community in Shock
The allegations have sent shockwaves through Australia's tight-knit literary and arts communities. Fremantle Press acknowledged the widespread impact, noting the news "affects our authors, industry colleagues, bookstores, schools and readers."
The Belvoir Theatre Company's statement concluded with a firm stance of solidarity, stating the company "stands firmly with survivors of child abuse and exploitation, and their families." The future of the Runt stage production now rests entirely on the outcome of the ongoing court case.
Support services: Lifeline 13 11 14; Kids Helpline 1800 55 1800.
