From March 20 to 28, Shepparton Theatre Arts Group invites audiences into the intimate world of Louis Nowra’s Cosi at the Bakehouse Black Box Theatre as part of the Shepparton Arts Festival 2026.
Set in a 1970s Melbourne mental institution, Cosi follows a young director wrestling with the impossible: staging Mozart’s Cosi Fan Tutte with a cast of patients whose quirks, courage and humour invade the rehearsal space.
Against the backdrop of the Vietnam War, the play explores themes of belonging, sanity, love and the beautifully flawed nature of being human.
For STAG, this production holds special meaning.
It marks 30 years since the group first staged Cosi in 1997, a testament to the story’s enduring relevance and its ability to resonate with audiences and performers alike.
Speaking of performers, the upcoming production features a strong local cast, including Shannon Orlandi, Connor McDonald, David Kerr, Greg Wighton and Wendy Platt, with Troy McKindley and Laura Stevens co-directing.
STAG described Cosi as “funny, heartfelt, and full of humanity”, noting that it was a fitting way to open its 2026 season.
“(It) celebrates great storytelling, shared history and the power of theatre to bring people together,” STAG said.
Tickets are available at events.humanitix.com/cosi-stag
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