The show was probably terrible. A curious, eccentric mixture of original songs, rock and roll and Gilbert and Sullivan. Yet, afterwards in the changing rooms, I felt exhilarated, as did the patients. It is a feeling I sometimes experience when I go backstage after one of my plays; a mixture of giggling, hysteria, cockiness and relief. Like the patients, I wanted to do another play, but we never did.

Someone who saw the first production of Così complained that I was mocking the patients. Certainly I did not set out to do that. I also had no intention of adding to the modern cliche: people outside the asylum are more mad than those inside. But one thing I am proud of is how the shyer members of the Trial by Jury cast blossomed and gradually I lost any notion of Me and Them. Così is faintly based on that production and is a mixture of autobiography, fiction, and my more recent experiences.

Sydney,
December 1993

ACT ONE

SCENE ONE

A burnt-out theatre. It is day outside but pitch black inside the theatre. A heavy door opens, a chink of daylight enters, as do three people: LEWIS, his girlfriend LUCY, and his friend NICK.

LUCY: Where are the lights?

LEWIS: Don’t know.

NICK: Maybe over there.

The door slams shut.

Damn! [Fiddling with the lock] Christ, it’s locked from the inside.

LEWIS: I thought I saw a switch over there.

They fumble in the darkness for a light switch.

NICK: Smells like it hasn’t been used in years.

LUCY: Burnt wood and mould. Are you sure you know what you’re doing?

LEWIS: I need the money, Lucy.

NICK accidentally touches LUCY who cries out in alarm.

NICK: [enjoying this] It’s a ghost.

LUCY: Nick, just find the light!

NICK: All theatres have ghosts.

LUCY: I can’t believe you’re going to do a show here.

NICK: Mad actors are bad enough, but madmen…

LEWIS: You said you were going to help me.

NICK: As long as you do Galileo with me.

LUCY: I wish you boys would learn to drive, I’m late for my tutorial.

There is the sound of breaking glass.

NICK: [nervously] What’s that?

LUCY: Someone’s breaking in.

NICK: Who is it? Who’s there?

ROY: [nervously] Is that you, Justin?

LEWIS: No.

ROY: Who is it? Who’s there? Answer me!

LUCY: [relieved] Found it!

The lights go on. A dismal hall is revealed. A silence as they stare at one another.

ROY: How did you get in?

LEWIS: The door.

ROY: It was locked when I checked it this morning. That’s why I broke in. Didn’t want to be late.

LEWIS: The superintendent gave me the key. Are you the social worker?

ROY: No, I’m a patient.

LUCY: I have to go now. See you at home, Lewis.

NICK: Lucy! Wait! I’m coming with you.

LEWIS: But you were going to help me.

NICK: [taking him aside] I will, but I just remembered I have to meet my thesis supervisor. He’s on my back because I’m spending so much time organising the moratorium.