by Dan Bellis
It was a little over 3 months ago that I was given the opportunity to pitch a production to the Beaumaris Theatre Committee. A slot had opened up in the season, and I figured that I had just the production that could not only fill that spot but prove to be a wonderful addition to the 2022 Beaumaris season in its own right.
Like so many Australians born after 1980, I had the privilege to study Louis Nowra’s Cosi in school. I was drawn in by its characters, the cracking dialogue and most of all, the setting. This story about patients in a mental health institution putting on an opera, while the Vietnam war rages on not so far away fascinated me. As did its protagonist, Lewis (based on Nowra himself), a young uni graduate charged with directing these off-the-wall personalities. A true fish out-of-water story. While I’ve been onstage a lot, I can count on one frost-bitten hand the number of times that I’ve directed productions. I could certainly identify with Lewis a lot.
The casting process was a delightful challenge. We saw 37 auditionees to fill a company of 9 actors. With a contracted rehearsal schedule, I was looking for performers who were ready to play, to try things out, but most of all I was looking for performers who would gel with and trust each other. I was absolutely thrilled with the 9 actors who agreed to be a part of this exceptional cast.
As always, rehearsals were the highlight of my week, as I got to hang out with the cast and watch them translate my bewildering thoughts into actions, but also come up with amazing and compelling character choices of their own. They constantly surprised me and each other, and as a result, this production never felt stale or dull. Harrison, Andrew, Tanya, Sarah, Stuart, Mark, Tash, Sam & Elise – I owe all of you a debt of gratitude, and I am so proud of you all.
The tireless backstage (and onstage) work was expertly managed by Jacky Sabbagh and David Ornellas and they got to develop characters of their own as institution patients who had been tasked with performing set changes.
Our simple yet highly effective lighting design was created by absolute legend, Damien Calvert, who not only did the design, but also took the time to teach me how to run the desk, which was a boatload of fun.
I would also like to thank Fred Pezzimenti for his wizardry with the set construction, in particular our (bloody great) hole in the ceiling. You can offer Fred half an idea, he’ll complete it and make it brilliant.
A final thank you to the Beaumaris Theatre Committee for allowing me to develop and form this production basically as we went along. Thank you to Steve, Fiona, Debbie, Trevor and Lynda for the set painting, Jen for always being there for any costume assistance. Lynda again for sourcing and constructing so many of the props. Thanks to my bio box teammate, Adam for his amazing sound design. Thanks to Kristina for her always amazing and creative publicity and marketing ideas and to Deb C and Robyn for their multiple efforts in the ticket box.
Thank you to our friends, families and communities for being wonderful and enthusiastic audience supporters. Your positivity kept us all going.
A huge chookas to Annie Laurenson and The Vicar of Dibley team who are sure to bring the year home beautifully!