GOLDEN Rivers Theatre Group is hard at work preparing its latest production, Così, which opens on January 19.
The play, written by Melbourne playright Louis Nowra, is best known from its 1996 film adaptation.
It tells the story of the staging of Mozart’s Così Fan Tutte by the residents of a psychiatric facility in the 1970s – an era when people with mental health problems were often locked up with little treatment.
It is based on Nowra’s own experience of directing a musical with patients from Melbourne’s Mont Park Psychiatric Hospital.
Set against a backdrop of Vietnam War protests and political upheaval, the play explores ideas of community, friendship and difference as well as the theme of fidelity.
With the play-within-a-play led by an inexperienced director and acted by a cast of mental patients, chaos and comedy ensues.
All hell breaks loose when one resident who suffers from pyromania, sets fire to the theatre, and the director, Lewis, discovers his girlfriend is not the faithful type.
There will be six performances of Golden Rivers’ Così, with Nick Keely playing the lead role of Lewis and Elly Ryan as Justin the social worker.
The show will also see three new faces – Rebecca, Michael and Leah – take to the stage.
Tickets, which cost $20, are available online at grtg.com.au or from Loddon Valley Disposals in Kerang.
Major sponsor the Royal Bridge Hotel in Barham is again offering pre-theatre meal packages.
