Gold Coast Season for Cosi

Gold Coast Little Theatre, Southport, opens its 2012 season on 28 January Australian play Cosi by Louis Nowra, directed by Stuart Lumsden.

Set at the time of the Vietnam War, it is a largely autobiographical story about young theatre director Lewis. His first job sees him working with a group of psychiatric patients on a production of Mozart’s great comic opera Cosi Fan Tutte. The trouble is that none of them can sing or speak Italian! It helps to be a little crazy when chasing your dreams.

NIDA graduate Stuart says, ”Cosi is one of the funniest, finest and at the same time moving, Australian plays ever written”.  He has always been fascinated by the play, having acted in it twice and is now relishing the chance to direct it.  He says,  “Its topic matter - the fraility of the human mind and the strength of the human spirit - touches a cord deep within me. The great challenge in this production is to both entertain and inform. Many of us have dealt with someone who's dealing with a mental ailment and, indeed, it is an affliction that could affect anyone of us at any time and for any reason.  I hope this production brings great entertainment and cause for thought.”

Jack Harbour plays Lewis, the director.  The patients include the shy dreamer Roy (played by John Arthars), the pyromaniac Doug (Noel Thompson), musician Zac (Sasha Cuha), Ruth (Del Halpin) Henry (Barry Gibson), Justin (Trevor Love), Cherry (Kate McNair) and Julie (Carmen Trevino).  

Lewis’s girlfriend, Lucy (also played by Carmen Trevino) and his housemate, Nick (Jordan Schiele) are absorbed in organising an anti-Vietnam War protest march, and as a result they start to come closer together. Their heavy pressure on Lewis to be involved in the protest leads him to wonder where the true madness lies: inside or outside the asylum.

Through a lot of difficulties Lewis and his cast develop a deep understanding. The final performance of the opera is imperfect and comical but the accomplishment of putting on a performance is success in itself. Lewis, who initially believes that ''love is not so important nowadays'', gradually changes his mind.  He is no longer directing ''for the money'' but for the love of it.   In directing the performance, he has been able to connect with people and to make a small difference in their lives.  

Cosi runs at the Gold Coast Little Theatre in Southport from 28 January to 18 February 2012. Bookings: 5532 2096 or www.gclt.com.au

Dress Reharsal images (from top): John Arthars; Sasha Cuha; Del Halpin, Carmen Trevino and Barry Gibson; Kate McNair and Jack Harbour; Jack Harbour, Caremn Trevino, Barry Gibson, Sasha Cuha, Del Halpin, John Arthars and Kate McNair; Jordan Schiele and Barry Gibson; Del Halpin, Barry Gibson, Jack Harbour, Kate McNair and Carmen Trevino & Sasha Cuha, Trevor Love and Carmen Trevino. Photographer: Shane Caddaye.

More reading - Community Theatre Seasons 2012.

Other Community Theatre Shows.

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