Entertainment
24 April, 2026
Nothing ‘Cosi’ about this play
A NEW production of ‘Così’, written by Louis Nowra and directed by Matt O’Connor, is set to bring a mix of humour and insight to local audiences.
The play follows a university student who takes on the challenge of directing Così fan tutte inside a mental asylum in 1971, working with a cast of patients who cannot sing or speak Italian.
Mr O’Connor said the production remained a well-known Australian story with enduring themes.
“I just feel it’s a classic Australian play that’s well known, but I do like the story,” he said.
“It’s about a uni student who goes into a mental asylum in the early 70s to put on a play with the patients … but no one speaks Italian, or no one can do opera, so it’s kind of very chaotic.”
He said the play balances humour with deeper ideas about human connection.
“It’s a laugh-out-loud comedy … It’s very warm too,” he said.
Mr O’Connor said audiences could expect both entertainment and reflection from the production.
“If people like a comedy show … I think it’ll capture that,” he said.
“If people want a bit of a more thought-provoking piece of theatre, it’ll capture that. And it’s just a good night out.”
Drawing on his own experience working in mental health, Mr O’Connor said care had been taken in how the subject is presented.
“It’s not about … laughing at the patients as mental patients but laughing at the oddity of … the blurry line between that,” he said.
The production also reflects the original stage version’s Vietnam War context, which differs from later adaptations.
With a mix of experienced and newer performers, Mr O’Connor said the cast brought a range of perspectives to the story, centred on themes of love, friendship and connection.
The production offers audiences a chance to experience a well-known Australian play that combines humour with insight into relationships and society.
The show is at The Rondo Theatre from 1-9 May.
Book at www.bit.ly/4sQKfMq
