The Madness and Mozart of Cosi for MATES.

MATES Theatre Society (Redlands, Qld) present the classic Australian comedy Cosi at Birkdale School of Arts Hall from April 13 – May 5.

Written by Louis Nowra, Cosi explores the complex and sensitive subject of mental health. It tells the story of Lewis (played by Conor Ensor), a young amateur theatre director who is offered a job with a Government program in a Sydney institution for the mentally ill.

Lewis' project is overrun when one patient named Roy (played by Shane Webb) wants to stage the Mozart’s Cosi Fan Tutte, despite the fact that none of the patients can sing or know any Italian.

Cosi is being directed for MATES Theatre Society by Gareth Kentwho was passionate about this story since first reading the script. "Once I read it I was hooked," says Gareth."The story speaks to all Australian's: from the Vietnam War, to free love and coping with mental health in a time where it was pushed to the side."

Gareth has the utmost praise and highest respect for his cast, and the dedication and professionalism they have displayed when faced with the complexities and sensitivities they have had to consider in the development of their characters, "we had a nurse from Redlands Mental Health come and speak to us, which helped the cast understand the characters they were playing".

"It's good to put people (the cast) outside of their comfort zones and see what they come up with", responded Gareth.

"Each member of the cast has researched and brought their character on stage in real form", continued Gareth.

There’s a blend of new and old cast members: fourteen year MATES' veteran Mark Harrison, whoplays the role of Doug, says,  "it's fun to play a troubled character like Doug. I hope they (the audience) will react to my character with a good laugh.”

Kim Bendall, last seen as the Wicked Witchin last year's musical The Wizard of Oz,steps back onto the stage in the role of Ruth.

Mark and Kim are joined by new performers Emma Quigley, fresh from appearing in the Theatre Genesis / Redland Museum  production of Sweet Fanny Adams; and Harold Littler,whose resumé over some forty 40 years performing includes the feature films 20000 Leagues Under the Sea (1996), starring Michael Caine and Joey (1996), starring Rebecca Gibney, and being on stage with the late Michael Jackson in 1996. "Being on stage with Michael Jackson in front of 50,000 fans at ANZ Stadium was a real buzz," Harold said.

MATES Theatre Society'sseason of Cosiopens on Friday April 13^THand runs until Saturday 5^THMay with a total of six evening performances, in MATES' traditional theatre restaurant format.

Bookings: (07) 3286 5820 (8am – 6pm).

Patrons are reminded that this production contains adult themes and coarse language: viewer discretion is advised.

Images (from top): Shane Webb (left) and Conor Ensor (Roy and Lewis).

Emma Quigley (left) and Shelley Sturla

Mark Harrison (right) with Shelley Sturla 

Photographer: Greg Pope.

More Reading

Community Theatre Seasons 2012 - www.stagewhispers.com.au/community-theatre/community-theatre-seasons-2012

More Community Theatre - www.stagewhispers.com.au/community-theatre