Loosely based on Louis Nowra's own experiences as a young theatre practitioner, Cosi follows protagonist Lewis, an unemployed actor who joins a government program to help rehabilitate mentally ill patients in a Sydney institution. Among the patients are psychopathic firebug Doug, pathologically shy Henry, lovesick Cherry, forlorn Ruth, recovering drug-addict Julie, and ever-demanding Roy. Hoping to realise his dream of staging a production of Mozart's Così Fan Tutte, Roy begins takes over the inexperienced Lewis's program, even though oblivious of the fact that none of the other patients can sing opera. As Lewis attempts to keep control of the inmates, his own life begins to spiral out of control. After being dumped by his girlfriend, Lewis finds himself drawn to Julie. He is also sacked by the hospital administrator. Having come so far with their production, however, he and the actors secretly rehearse at night. Errol, the head of nursing, tells his supervisor that the group is preparing a variety show to be performed for the health minister's forthcoming visit. On the night, they instead present their somewhat chaotic version of Cosi.
Cosi : The Writer's Cut
( dir. Gerri Williams
)
1996
Z1322837
1996
single work
film/TV
In this documentary, Louis Nowra discusses the rewriting of Cosi's screenplay during filming and his attitude to those changes. Several actors and production team members also comment on the making of the film.
'Louis Nowra’s much-loved play Così is often held up as the archetypal great Australian comedy, a larrikin farce in the vein of Michael Frayn’s Noises Off (1982). But as the years roll by and the play’s sensitivities diverge from contemporary standards, it increasingly seems to share more in common with Shakespeare’s ‘problem plays’.' (Introduction)
オーストラリア映画史
A History of Australian Film
Yokohama
:
オセアニア出版社
,
2004
15756056
2004
single work
criticism
'Cosi'
2001
Perth
:
Centre for Research in Culture and Communication (Murdoch University)
,
2001
Z1609678
2001
single work
criticism
Research undertaken by a student of the Centre for Culture and Communication (Murdoch University) into Cosi (1996). Includes aspects relating to the production phase, critical reception, principal performers and production crew, references and a synopsis
'Cosi'
2001
Perth
:
Centre for Research in Culture and Communication (Murdoch University)
,
2001
Z1609678
2001
single work
criticism
Research undertaken by a student of the Centre for Culture and Communication (Murdoch University) into Cosi (1996). Includes aspects relating to the production phase, critical reception, principal performers and production crew, references and a synopsis
