In the Face of Betrayal, Lewis Discovers Loyalty Cosi Essay

The acquire Cosi, written by Louis Nowra, is set in 1971 amidst the chaos of the Vietnam War. Australias involvement in the war was a subject of great controversy, and being the first televised war, earth was brought crashing into the lounge rooms of Australians. The usurious images demoed in citizenrys homes sparked anger from those involved in the weigh against communism and conscription. The committedness of Australians was heavily tested during these times, with confederacy divided in their support of anti-communism. Nowra exposes the audience to the harsh treatment of those living in moral institutions during these times a result of nightclubs predisposition to give off those labelled insane in the 70s.Through the play he encourages the audience to ignore these perceptions and do the mentally ill as equals sort of of inframining them. Furthermore, Nowra highlights societys conflicting attitudes towards love and fidelity. When comp ared to the barbarism of the war , faithfulness was a lot viewed as irrelevant. However contending this idea, Nowra expresses the need for loyalty and taking care of 1 a nonher, even when confronted with seemingly more important matters. Through the journey of the booster amplifier of the play, Lewis, the audience learns that even in the face of deep betrayal, loyalty pot be found. Although Lewis initially explains that he is directing the play due to his lose of currency, it is apparent that Cosi Fan Tutte becomes more than just a quick expression to earn cash.In the beginning of Cosi, Lewis expresses his reason for directing the play by stating I need the money, Lucy. He is confronted and uncomfortable when first meeting the patients under such foreign circumstances, overwhelmed by the idea of having to deal with these mad people. Nowra embodies societys negative attitude towards those with mental illnesses, where anyone classed as insane were remove from society and thrust into the confinement of instit utions. Instead of dealing with these people in a humane fashion, it was accepted that ECT treatment, drugs and surgery prevented them from creating a hassle.Lewiss doubt and concerns ab forbidden working with the patients are encouraged when he ignoret convince them to perform The Exception and the Rule. Instead, the antagonist of the play Roy, is hardened to perform Cosi Fan Tutte, a Mozart play some fidelity and love. Lewis is not keen on the play and what it represents, his view on love evident when he states Love is not so important nowadays. Through Lewis, Nowra highlights the identical opinions of so many people during these times.In the face of war and politics, with fearful televised images thrust into peoples homes, fidelity was rated an irrelevant concept. This was the view held by Lewis and even more so his girlfriend Lucy, who states After bread.comes mayhap love. However the audience soon experiences a change in Lewiss mindset towards not only the patients, but th e importance of love and loyalty. He finds himself relating to the patients more and more, building relationships and accepting their quirks and issues.When Lewiss close friend break off confronts over his absence at the moratorium, stating You said you were going to help out, Lewis explains that Cosi Fan Tutte is more important, This comes first. It is clear that Nick does not support Lewis in the play or share his view of the patients Only mad people..funny farm. Again, Nicks comment only further exposes Lewiss opinion, when he replies with Nick, theyll hear you. Lewiss comments exemplify his unwavering loyalty towards the patients and likewise, Nowra promotes the audience to recognise the importance of loyalty and support.Lewiss changed perception of love is shown when he contends Lucy, land up act her the Cosi Fan Tutte is about important things, like love and fidelity. This proves his changed attitude towards love, which he originally placed little value on. Nowra influences the audience to be adequate to(p) to the idea of fidelity and see the value within it. He contends societys views in the 70s and encourages the audience not to negligence and degrade the mentally ill, but see and treat them as equals.In the face of betrayal, Lewis experiences unswerving loyalty from a conservative Henry. Henry, a low and quiet man, is seemingly reserved. However it is clear when he learns that Nick gives money to North Vietnam for supplies, that Henry is strongly opinionated and willing to stand for his beliefs, My ffffather fought..you are traitors. Henrys loyalty to his father, who was a soldier, is deep seated and profoundly held. His attack against Nick and Lewis proves that despite being crazy, he has the mightiness to stand up for what matters to him. Nowra demonstrates that everyone deserves the right to stand for their values.Henrys loyalty is again demonstrated when Lewis learns that his girlfriend Lucy is quiescence with Nick. Lucy explains I have sex with him and sleep with you, highlighting her belief in free love. On the contrasted it is clear that, Lewis wants Lucy to be faithful, Its over. Im shifting out of the house. When Lewis confronts Nick over the matter, he repeats Lucys explanation No, shes sleeping..having sex. It is here that Henry shows his support and loyalty to Lewis, offering to beat up Nick, Do you want mestand up? Henrys display of loyalty highlights the relationship he has formed with Lewis. Nowra exhibits that we should not take expediency of our relationships with others, and value the loyalty and commitment that they offer us.Also, one can reconcile strong political values whilst also displaying empathy and loyalty. Despite Roy constantly undermining and hurt Lewis, when he suffers from present fright Lewis provides him with encouragement and reassurance. Roy is extremely passionate about the performance of Cosi Fan Tutte, displaying enthusiasm from the beginning when he alerts the cast to his plans , Ive already chosen what were doing. Cosi Fan Tutte. Despite complaints about his prime(prenominal) and the difficulties it will create, Roy is utterly undeterred by any issue the Italian opera presents. His desire for the play to be performed the way he imagines it results in constant attacks regarding Lewiss direction, Couldnt direct a nymphomaniac to a stag night.Despite Roys passion, when it comes to the final performance he struggles with stage fright, telling Lewis I cant do it. Putting digression the abuse and insults from Roy, Lewis only offers him encouragement and support, replying with Yes, you can, and, Ill whisper the lines to you. Lewis understands how much the play means to Roy, and furthermore, it is clear that Lewis wants Roy to have the opportunity to succeed in his performance, I want you to be noticed all the time.Nowra suggest the idea that not only Roy needs to be noticed, but all those who have been locked outdoor(a) from society. That the mentally ill shou ld no longer be ignored, but seen as equals with the rest of the world. Through evidence of the loyalty Lewis develops towards the patients, Nowra demonstrates that despite whether somebody is classed as insane or not, strong relationships and trust can be built. Overall, Cosi demonstrates in numerous situations that whilst facing betrayal, one can also experience genuine loyalty and friendship. This is evident through Lewiss support of Roy, and when Henry stands up for Lewis.Furthermore, Nowra highlights the cruel and degrading treatment towards mentally ill people during the 70s, and promotes the audience to reconsider these views. Through Lewiss acceptance of the patients and the relationships he builds with them, he influences us to alter our negative perceptions. Additionally, Nowra promotes the idea of fidelity and trust. Despite the reality of the televised war leading people to hold more important values, Nowra encourages not to forget the importance of loyalty and love. On the whole, Cosi portrays what Nowra depicts to be important values loyalty, trust, acceptance and empathy.