Cosi

Louis Nowra’s 1992 Cosi is set in a mental hospital in 1971, where, at the insistence of one of the inmates, the patients set out to give a performance of Mozart’s opera Cosi fan Tutte under the direction of recent graduate Lewis (Aaron Dora). None of them can sing, none can act, and the director, just out of drama school, is as sceptical as we are about how this is all going to turn out.

Brent Schon gave an exceptional performance as the leading enthusiast Roy, skilfully plunging to the deepest of lows only to soar back again to the highest heights with unquenchable gusto. Fellow patient from C Ward and resident pyromaniac Doug (Bradley Chapman) was also a quick favourite with the audience, especially as he spoke volumes with his pelvic region and probed into society’s morals with delicious curiosity. Likewise, “junkie” Julie (Jermia Turner), Lewis’s love interest, is so quietly acted as to be unnoticeable in ensemble scenes, which is easy to do in this production with such vibrant and ‘crazy’ characters – but still a strong performance.

Elodie Boal plays Cherry, a woman with strong opinions (and feelings for Lewis) with Great Spirit and comedic timing – a true stand out in this production. Beenleigh Theatre Group veteran Rachel Hunt brings a quirky charm to her role as Ruth, a woman who has her own method for remembering her lines and where she’s supposed to be. Benjamin Bray offers a few moments of clarity as Henry, a somewhat detached man who gets more connected as the rehearsals progress. My favourite part about Bray’s role is his ability to change a set, in the dark, with one paralysed arm. While not necessary due to an almost completely black stage, the depth that the small movement created really brought the show to life on another level. Andrew Alleyis a breath of fresh air as the some-what docile Zac, playing the role of the ‘spaced out musician’ perfectly!

The set design, while simple and minimalistic, is also incredibly detailed. With large ‘Asylum’ doors and a charcoal burnt interior, the small stage creates a feeling of intimacy and claustrophobia – it’s the perfect design to contrast the emotions that Cosi brings forth.

Timothy Wynn directs this material with the gutsiest choice of all: he takes it seriously. Cosi is a comedy in name only. It’s really an ensemble character study where the funny and dark moments intertwine. That’s exactly how he plays it. This production is not for the faint hearted and laughs will be in the smallest of places, but perfectly timed by a polished ensemble and brilliant execution by the Beenleigh Theatre Group.

Review by Mel Bobbermien