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AbstractHistoryArchive Description
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.
Contents
- From the Writer, single work criticism (p. 7-13)
Publication Details of Only Known VersionEarliest 2 Known Versions of
Works about this Work
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[Review] Cosi
2019
single work
review
— Appears in: Australian Book Review , June - July no. 412 2019; (p. 66)
— Review of Cosi 1996 single work film/TV'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)
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Star Turns and Belly Laughs in an Unsettling Theatrical Madhouse Romp
2014
single work
review
— Appears in: The Australian , 17 February 2014; (p. 13)
— Review of Cosi 1996 single work film/TV -
Capturing the Pain Within
2007
single work
column
— Appears in: The Age , 8 september 2007; (p. 21) - y 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
- y '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
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Pigs Aside, Cosi has the Cast to Charm Audiences
1996
single work
review
— Appears in: The Mercury , 20 March 1996; (p. 7)
— Review of Cosi 1996 single work film/TV -
[Review] Spotswood [and] Cosi
1997
single work
review
— Appears in: Australasian Drama Studies , April no. 30 1997; (p. 123-127)
— Review of Spotswood 1992 single work film/TV ; Cosi 1996 single work film/TV -
Uncomfortably Cosy
1995
single work
review
— Appears in: The Weekend Australian , 30-31 March 1995; (p. rev 12)
— Review of Cosi 1996 single work film/TV -
Chinese Masterpiece
1996
single work
review
— Appears in: The Courier-Mail , 30 March 1996; (p. wkd 10)
— Review of Cosi 1996 single work film/TV -
Cosi Rises Above Crackpot Trend
1996
single work
review
— Appears in: The West Australian , 28 March 1996; (p. 5)
— Review of Cosi 1996 single work film/TV -
Capturing the Pain Within
2007
single work
column
— Appears in: The Age , 8 september 2007; (p. 21) - y '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
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Nowra Eyes Down Side of Success
1996
single work
column
— Appears in: The Mercury , 6 June 1996; (p. 33) -
The Lunatics that Run Hollywood
1996
single work
column
autobiography
— Appears in: The Sydney Morning Herald , 22-28 March 1996; (p. 8-9) -
Cosi's Cossies
1996
single work
column
— Appears in: The Weekend Australian , 23-24 March 1996; (p. 10)
Awards
- Sydney, New South Wales,
- 1990s