First impressions of play are very important.”Cosi”, written by Louis Nowra, gave me an interesting and humorous impression. While compiling with this, it also highlighted the significant issues that plagued the 1970’s.This included; war, love and fidelity, politics and mental illness. Whist set in a “burnt out” theatre in a mental asylum. In addition, it gives an insightful view of the treatment of patients and their welfare .Moreover, the play gives the reader an understanding of the complexity of mental illness of the patients; while at the same time being capricious. All of these things have contributed to the impression I have so far.
In the play, Nowra employs an array of themes in his writing that are evident in the decade. Central themes such as love, mental health and war, were all very controversial at the time .Nowra explores these through various characters. By doing this it conveys the characters different perceptions and opinions of the issues .For example, “Nick is doing something about the war in Vietnam” and holds this very firm belief along with Lucy. However some characters like Henry despise the war. By this it shows that the historical context, Nowra uses in the play gives it an interesting appeal.
Furthermore, individuals whom lived in a mental asylum were generally looked down upon by society and were treated inferiorly. So far the play displays the harsh living conditions and the treatments the patients received .While giving a view of the patient’s persona as well. Several, of the patients committed them self’s to the dark and “burnt out theatre”, to escape the true realities of the mental institution. This suggested that the patients really did not want to be there. Also, it gives the read a somewhat understanding of these individuals, and make’s one ponder on a simple question like; Why someone would treat another human being in this way?. By using such descriptions and the theme itself, Nowra really gives intuitiveness and significants to the discussed issue in the play.
In addition to this, Nowra portrays many of the characters and their mental illness well. Without being too straight forward about it. Also, Nowra uses black comedy to described issues characters face and even their personalities. This further makes it very comical for the reader. An example of this is when Doug describes his condition of pyromania. He explains to Lewis the concept of why he goes and “burns cats”. Even thou it is a serious issue, it is still amusing and engaging. This shows that Nowra is not making fun of this, but in fact he is giving readers knowledge of the complexity of the characters, while drawing an optimistic light.
Overall, the general scope of ideas and themes carry out a large roll, in the play; Cosi by Louis Nowra. Nowra really considers the enjoyment of his reader/and or audience. He implements comedy into his writing and valuable issues that surrounded the late 90’s. The implications that individuals with mental illness faced. It is commonly said that first impressions are always vital and this play has left a very impressive one.
In the play, Nowra employs an array of themes in his writing that are evident in the decade. Central themes such as love, mental health and war, were all very controversial at the time .Nowra explores these through various characters. By doing this it conveys the characters different perceptions and opinions of the issues .For example, “Nick is doing something about the war in Vietnam” and holds this very firm belief along with Lucy. However some characters like Henry despise the war. By this it shows that the historical context, Nowra uses in the play gives it an interesting appeal.
Furthermore, individuals whom lived in a mental asylum were generally looked down upon by society and were treated inferiorly. So far the play displays the harsh living conditions and the treatments the patients received .While giving a view of the patient’s persona as well. Several, of the patients committed them self’s to the dark and “burnt out theatre”, to escape the true realities of the mental institution. This suggested that the patients really did not want to be there. Also, it gives the read a somewhat understanding of these individuals, and make’s one ponder on a simple question like; Why someone would treat another human being in this way?. By using such descriptions and the theme itself, Nowra really gives intuitiveness and significants to the discussed issue in the play.
In addition to this, Nowra portrays many of the characters and their mental illness well. Without being too straight forward about it. Also, Nowra uses black comedy to described issues characters face and even their personalities. This further makes it very comical for the reader. An example of this is when Doug describes his condition of pyromania. He explains to Lewis the concept of why he goes and “burns cats”. Even thou it is a serious issue, it is still amusing and engaging. This shows that Nowra is not making fun of this, but in fact he is giving readers knowledge of the complexity of the characters, while drawing an optimistic light.
Overall, the general scope of ideas and themes carry out a large roll, in the play; Cosi by Louis Nowra. Nowra really considers the enjoyment of his reader/and or audience. He implements comedy into his writing and valuable issues that surrounded the late 90’s. The implications that individuals with mental illness faced. It is commonly said that first impressions are always vital and this play has left a very impressive one.