Cosi is a play written by Australian playwright Louis Nowra. It is a comedy-drama that explores a number of themes, including love, identity, and the role of art in society.
One of the central themes of Cosi is love. The play follows the relationships of several characters, including Lewis, a young director who is trying to stage a production of Mozart's opera Cosi Fan Tutte at a mental asylum. Lewis becomes involved with Lucy, a patient at the asylum who is struggling with her own issues of identity and self-worth. Through their relationship, the play explores the idea that love can be transformative and can help individuals to overcome their own personal challenges.
Another important theme in Cosi is identity. The play features a number of characters who are grappling with their own sense of self, including Lucy, who is struggling to come to terms with her own mental illness. The play also touches on the idea of societal expectations and how these can impact an individual's sense of self. For example, Lewis is initially hesitant to become involved with Lucy because he is worried about what others will think of him. However, as he gets to know her, he begins to see her as a person in her own right, rather than just a patient in the asylum.
Finally, the play also explores the role of art in society. Lewis believes that the production of Cosi Fan Tutte can be therapeutic for the patients at the asylum, and he is passionate about using the arts to help people to heal. However, the play also raises questions about the value of art and whether it is truly able to make a difference in the lives of those who experience it.
In conclusion, Cosi is a thought-provoking play that explores themes of love, identity, and the role of art in society. It encourages its audience to consider the impact that these themes can have on our own lives and the lives of those around us.