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eight mental patients - three crazy liberals - one senseless war - and one frivolous Mozart opera...
COSI
by Louis Nowra
directed by Brian Lobel
presented at Basement Arts, December 2002.
For cast information and program notes, please see below.
Act I: Scene i |
Act I: Scene iii |
Act I: Scene iv |
Act II: Scene ii |
Act II: Scene iii |
Act II: Scene iv |
Act II: Scene v |
Act II: Scene vi |
Act II: Scene vi |
Act II: Scene vii |
Act II: Scene vii |
Ending |
The Cast |
all photos provided by Johanna Schuster-Craig |
Cast:
Lewis Mitchell Kiven; Roy Kevin Kuczek; Doug Dave Abed; Henry De'Lon Grant; Cherry Michelle Slonim; Ruth Meghan Powe; Julie Kellie Matteson; Zac Rachel Chapman; Lucy Johanna Schuster-Craig; Nick Ryan Babbitt; Justine Katie Thomas
directed by Brian Lobel; costumes by Johanna Schuster-Craig, Betsy Tholen and Cast
sound by Chris Bathgate; sets and board operation by Mandy Richardville
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Cosi is a slap in the face to theatre which is overtly engaged in politics and social issues. Next to Brecht, Mozart (and Nowra) appear foolish and naïve, especially in the context of a country at war. While the ideas of love and happiness do not change policy or directly affect politics, Nowra's Cosi gives love and happiness recognition as essential ingredients to a full life. While Lucy and Nick fight for performances dealing with death and destruction, Lewis and the patients fight for a performance that will bring them happiness and provide a necessary escape from their monotonous lives in the asylum. Cosi challenges us to find the importance of camaraderie and love, in a time where patriotism and protest remain at the top of our national agenda. The passion and compassion of the patients should be an inspiration to us all, and a reminder that perhaps a life comprised of frivolous values like happiness is actually worthwhile.
- Brian Lobel, December 2002
