By John Redmond

Expat theater group, Probationary Theatre Company, will stage Australian written play “Cosi” from Sept. 16 to 30 at the White Box Theatre in Hyochang Park.

Set in an Australian mental institution in Melbourne in 1971, the show takes a unique insight into the trials of Lewis, a young, first time director who is hired to direct a play as part of a therapeutic program to bring patients “out of their shells.” Unfortunately for Lewis, one of his cast members, Roy, has decided on Mozart’s Cosi Fan Tutte, not just an opera, but a three hour long Italian one. Of course, none of the few volunteers can speak Italian, much less sing ― indeed, some can barely speak. To make matters worse, the cast include a pyromaniac, a junkie, a knife wielding romantic, a confused realist, a Lithium-addict pianist who hates Mozart, a manic depressive and a stuttering ex-lawyer who refuses to take part in the production.

This light hearted, award winning play within a play features an international cast of actors and promises to be a great night out.
Please note this play contains occasional coarse language, drug references and should be viewed by mature audiences. The play is entirely in English.

Probationary Theatre was founded in Australia in 2000 with the aim of creating interesting and accessible theatre that people want to see. Probationary Theatre’s first production of David Mamet’s “Sexual Perversity in Chicago” opened at the Melbourne Fringe Festival to packed houses with rave reviews, receiving a Best Newcomer award.

Performances times are Fridays 9 p.m., Saturdays 5 p.m. and 8 p.m. and Sundays at 4 p.m.

Tickets are 15,000 won and can be booked in advanced via the website (no ID or payment necessary), or alternatively purchased at the door 30 minutes prior to the show.

For website bookings, go to http://www.probationarytheatre.com/bookings.html

The White Box Theater is located a short distance from Hyochang Park subway station near exit 2.