Cosi Dramatic Elements Analysis Essay

La Boit Theatres showcase of Cosi written by Louis Nowra and directed by David Berthold is an delirious play, talking of Love and fidelity. Selfs perception of other people whether or not venerate is a strong enough case to trust nonpareil another. Two excerpts centred on different disciplines leave behind be analysed. This analysis go out bring to light veritable salient elements and viewpoints of time, body and space that Berthold has employ to enhance the dramatic meaning of this production. Cosi is set in Melbourne during the early 1970s. The play is about a unexampled university student, Lewis (Benjamin Schostakowski) who is asked to direct a play for a mental asylum. Lewis becomes more involved in the play than he expected when he begins to build relationships with the patients. He is burdened by the strong opinions and expectations his peers sire on cope and fidelity. Louis Nowra includes dramatic techniques such as setting, humour, meta-theatre and symbolism to e ngross the audience into the world of Cosi while conveying certain themes. Two of m each contrasting themes within Cosi are bash and fidelity.According to Mozarts Cosi Fan Tutte, the upshot of fidelity is described to be a social standard that is never met. The notion of fidelity is stirred upon regularly throughout Cosi. In particular, Act Two, Scene One, Lucy arrives at the institution to pick up Lewis, coincidently while Lewis has left the room. Lucy notices his script and begins to read it, finding it absurd that a man would ruin himself, for a worthless woman, Lucy throws the script on the chair in disgust. This physical gesture re-establishes her viewpoint on the treatment of women. Lewis enters the room surprised to see Lucy there. At this point the actors are positioned centred stage away from any prop, this spatial relationship and clear view line draws the audiences focus to them. Moreover, Berthold has only allowed for Lucy and Lewis to be present on stage at this tim e.This choice of positioning creates an unembellished set, once again directing all oversight to them. Lewis has let his newly established relationships with the patients influence his decision to not go with Lucy. As Lewis tells Lucy that he will be staying there and continuing with the production his replies become more to the point. Lewis unexpected firm tone contests Lucys strong, deep andborderline intimidating line talking to. This combined with their close proximity creates a rise in dramatic tension of relationship. As Lewis starts to question Lucy about nick, pointing out that shes seeing a striation of someone she doesnt like he notices a change in her stance. The focus is directed towards Lucy as she changes her posture, move her hands on her hips and avoiding eye contact. This change in body language suggests that Lucy is hiding something.Lewis and Lucy both shift and look at each other. This contrast in vocal level assists the audience to suspect a rise in dramatic tension. Given the previous example, Berthold was able to produce a scene of line up suspense and tension through the subprogram of different viewpoints and vocal delivery. The contrasting theme shown throughout Cosi is the theme of Love. For example, Act One, Scene Three, the musical is at risk of being shut down because Doug had set attempt to the toilets. Justin, the man who organised for Lewis to be there was about to cancel the musical. As the dramatic tension begins to build, Justin threatens Doug construction that hell send him back to the closed ward. ruby interrupts Justin, yelling that the fire was her fault. The director through use of Viewpoints has allowed Cherry to have a kinaesthetic response with her line. This is achieved by her child-like gesture of raising her hand as she spoke. With the given circumstances it was made clear that the fire was not Cherrys fault.Love is the reason she lied. Her time with Lewis would no longer exist if the musical were cancelle d. The relationships these characters have established with each other have affected the way theyve made their decisions. For Example, Cherry has shown her love for Lewis by sharing her food with him and sending him love letters. This profound affection for Lewis caused her to take the blame for the fire. If Justin believed it was Doug he wouldve shut down the musical, meaning that Cherry wouldnt be able to see Lewis again. Shortly after, Henry goes to speak up pointing out that Cherry is lying. Roy realises the discreetness of the situation, leading him to hit Henry, shutting him up. This is shown through Roys facial expressions and physical gestures. At this point Justin, Lewis, Doug and Cherry are all positioned Stage Left creating a circle-like formation.Berthold has placed them like this to direct the audiences concentration to one place rather than scatter the energy through the entire set. By manipulating the use of vocal delivery and positioning Berthold has been able to hi ghlight the important aspects ofthis scene. The evidence previously given supports the fact that David Berthold has indeed created a thought provoking theatrical piece. Love and Fidelity are two contrasting themes shown throughout Cosi. The sputter and fight to hold onto the notion of fidelity is contrasted with their perception of love. These two distinct themes are why Cosi is seen as such an emotional and relevant play. Thus in summary, through Bertholds manipulation of certain dramatic elements and viewpoints the delivery and message of Louis Nowras Cosi was more than exceptional.