Cosi - the Central Concerns

1. Cosi - the Central Concerns What was Nowra’s intention in creating this play? Being semi-autobiographical, Lewis’ transformation is a mechanism for Nowra to explore hisown (Bildungsroman) Through Lewis, Nowra suggests that it is love (both romantic love and great passion) that gives life meaning Nowra uses the play to challenge audience perceptions (and societal stigma) around mental illness Nowra explores the power of theatre (and art) as therapy - the value of collaborative creativity

2. Cosi - the Central Concerns Converting these ideas into a Broad Contention Louis Nowra’s semi-autobiographical play Cosi explores the importance of love and art in life, and the power of both to transform a person for the better. Louis Nowra’s play Cosi challenges the audience to relinquish their prejudices about mental illness, and in the process embrace the power of love and art to give life meaning. At its heart, Louis Nowra’s Cosi is an examination of the transformative experiences of the playwright; his profound revelations concerning love, friendship, mental illness, and the power of his craft – the theatre – to not only entertain, but heal.

3. COSI Tackling Essay Writing

4. Essay Writing The following are essential to a successful essay: A broad understanding of the play (a contention): What you think the author wrote the play ‘for’ 1. The capacity to respond to an essay TOPIC: You need to be able to consider specific aspects of the play 2. Detailed knowledge of the key moments: This is essential for you to ‘prove’ your case 3. An understanding of essay structure: It is vital that you know ‘what goes where’ in your essay 4.

5. Essay SHAPE Introduction Paragraph 1 Paragraph 2 Paragraph 3 Conclusion

6. Set up your contention in response to the TOPIC Outline your arguments in support Refer to Author and Title Essay Writing Introduction Paragraph 1 Each paragraph should outline an argument in support of your contention Use TEEL to give body paragraphs focus. Paragraph 2 Paragraph 3 Paragraph 4 Chance to re-assert your contention in light of evidence provided Conclusion

7. Essay Writing Responding to an Essay TOPIC Step 1: Identify key terms Step 2: Find synonyms for key terms, rephrase TOPIC, and ask ‘small’ Qns. ‘Nowra demonstrates that change is the most important factor for success.’ demonstrates change most important success. Step 3: Consider how the topic applies to the text. (think of examples to support/reject the claim in the topic?) Step 4: Ask yourself – Do I agree or disagree with the topic?

8. Introduction In his popularly acclaimed play, Cosi, Melbourne playwright Louis Nowra seeks to demonstrate for his audience that a vital factor in achieving success is the ability to evolve and grow. This is made evident through the trials of the protagonist Lewis, and the significant achievements of Roy and Henry. Nowra further exemplifies this concept through the tragic trajectory of Julie, whose inability to change results in her demise. play Cosi Louis Nowra demonstrate for his audience that a vital factor in achieving success is the ability to evolve and grow. this is made evident through the trials of the protagonist Lewis, and the significant achievements of Roy and Henry. Nowra further exemplifies this concept through the tragic trajectory of Julie, whose inability to change results in her demise P1 Always refer to the FORM Paragraph ONE looks at how Lewis grows and changes and how this allows him to succeed, both with the play and in ‘finding himself’. Always include CONTENTION P2 Always UNDERLINE the title Paragraph TWO considers how Roy and Henry change and how this enables them to successfully perform in the production of Cosi Fan Tutte Always include an outline of SUPPORTING ARGUMENTS P3 Use the author’s full name IN INTRO Paragraph THREE examines how Nowra uses the tragic example of Julie to reinforce the need to evolve and grow in order to succeed.

9. A+ ‘”Marvellous … came right out of their shells. They blossomed!”. It is Lewis who truly blossoms. Discuss’

10. B+ ‘”Marvellous … came right out of their shells. They blossomed!”. It is Lewis who truly blossoms. Discuss’

11. C+ ‘Cosi demonstrates that the only way we can grow is by accepting and connecting with others’. Do you agree?’

12. Body Paragraphs T Topic Sentence: Outlines the argument that the paragraph will focus on (in support of contention). It is primarily through the transformation of the protagonist, Lewis, that Nowra demonstrates the importance of change to achieving success. It is primarily through the transformation of the protagonist, Lewis, that Nowra demonstrates the importance of change to achieving success. At the beginning of the play Lewis is a timid character who is easily manipulated and dominated by the patients. This is clear in the way that Roy continually cuts him off, as indicated by the “-” at the end of so many of Lewis’ lines early in the play. As Justin says, “its important feel like you are in control” – important to success, and at this stage Lewis clearly is not. Importantly, as the play progresses Lewis begins to stand up to Roy and is less intimidated by the patients. This is made clear when he says “[loudly] Roy!”. The stage direction here is vital as it shows… E Evidence: Provide the examples from the extract provided which you believe support your argument (quotes). At the beginning of the play Lewis is a timid character who is easily manipulated and dominated by the patients. This is clear in the way that Roy continually cuts him off, as indicated by the “-” at the end of so many of Lewis’ lines early in the play. At this point, it is clear that unless Lewis changes, and gains more confidence he will never succeed… E Explanation: Explain how your chosen examples support your proposed argument. L Linking Sentence: Link back to your contention and (where practical) to the following paragraph. In this way Nowra is able to reinforce for the audience the need to grow and change in order to achieve success.

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15. T E E L ?

16. Concluding the Essay

17. A Few Tricks and Strategies Focused Topic Sentences (and avoiding retelling): (Author) uses (feature/character) to convey (idea) Focused Topic Sentences (and avoiding retelling): It is through (feat./c.) that (author) is able to explore (idea) Follow a quote with: Here, Nowra is reinforcing/highlighting/suggesting… To extend or expand on an idea: Similarly/Moreover/Furthermore this idea is evident in… To change direction of discussion or offer contrast: However/In contrast/Contrariwise/Unlike this

18. Other General Tips… • Keep language formal: • Avoid personal pronouns (‘we’, ‘you’, ‘I’, etc.) • Refer instead to ‘the audience’, • Avoid abbreviations – don’t = do not, can’t = cannot, (etc.) • Do not use slang or colloquialisms Take time to explain any/all quotes provided – bulk of grade. Avoid asking questions – rephrase as statement Characters do not ‘quote’: they ‘state’, ‘claim’, ‘declare’, ‘say’, Avoid the general “this” or “things” or “it” – be specific

19. Essay Writing Tomorrow – PRACTICE SAC Either: FINISH the essay we outlined today OR Pick one of the two topics listed below

20. Introduction In the play, Cosi, Melbourne playwright Louis Nowra seeks to demonstrate for his audience that a vital factor in achieving success in life is the having the ability to evolve and grow. This is made evident through the trials of the protagonist Lewis, and the significant achievements of Roy and Henry. Nowra further exemplifies this concept through the tragic trajectory of Julie, whose inability to change results in her demise. P1 Paragraph ONE looks at how Lewis grows and changes and how this allows him to succeed, both with the play and in ‘finding himself’. P2 Paragraph TWO considers how Roy and Henry change and how this enables them to successfully perform in the production of Cosi Fan Tutte P3 Paragraph THREE examines how Nowra uses the tragic example of Julie to reinforce the need to evolve and grow in order to succeed.