Cosi

A play by Louis Nowra

Sample from the Study Guide

Act One - Scene One

1. ‘A burnt out theatre. It is day outside but pitch black inside the theatre….A dismal hall is revealed’ – How does the setting influence Nick, Lucy and Lewis’s attitudes when they arrive?
2. Why does Lewis feel ‘betrayed’ by Nick?
3. Describe Justin’s attitude towards the patients.
4. We meet the patients very early in the scene. What are your first impressions of Roy, Doug, Henry, Cherry, Ruth and Julie?
5. Write 3 quotes from Roy from the opening scene which demonstrate his enthusiastic and passionate nature.
6. What is the purpose of organising a performance for the patients to participate in?
7. Justin says the patients are ‘normal people who have done extraordinary things, thought extraordinary thoughts.’ Do you think he meant this in a positive or a negative way?
8. ‘A madman is someone who arrives at a fancy dress party dressed in the Emperor’s new clothes.’ – What did Justin mean?
9. What is the premise of Cosi Fan Tutti and why is Roy so eager to put on this opera?
10. ‘The Vietnam War … Love is not so important nowadays.’ – Lewis questions whether it is appropriate to put on a play about love when society seems so consumed with anger about the war. Do you agree with him?

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