image: kingbluecondos.com

A series of mini-dramas based on public conversations, as overheard and rewritten by local playwright/director Aurora Stewart de Peña.

Overheard at FanExpo

Lorne’s Iron Man costume is perfect. A glowing light emanates from his red chest, and when he walks his hip joints makes a whirring sound.

Pete’s Spiderman costume is saggy, transparent from wear in some places. He does not stand straight.

Cayden, Jayden and Chase, all 8 years old, scamper up to Lorne.

Cayden, Jayden and Chase: Iron Man, Iron Man!

Lorne turns his head towards them, he opens his arms.

Pete, straightens up, striking a Spiderman pose.

Jayden: Iron Man, can we get our pictures with you?

Iron Man / Lorne gives the three boys a thumbs up.

Cayden, Jayden and Chase all gather round Lorne.

Pete: Hey, what about me?

Jayden: Who are you supposed to be?

Pete: Uh, hello?

Pete leaps nimbly in the air and lands soundlessly on his feet.

Pete: I’m SPIDERMAN.

Jayden: Hm, yeah, maybe.

Pete: What do you mean, maybe?

Jayden: Well, Spiderman is confident.

Pete: Not when he’s Peter Parker.

Jayden looks at his feet.

Pete: I have a secret identity, I have to play it cool so I can be sneaky.

Marciano, Jayden’s Dad: Sorry bro, could you step out of the way?

Pause.

Pete steps out of the way. Marciano takes the picture.

Jayden, Cayden and Chase: Thanks Iron Man!

Lorne raises a robotic hand in acknowledgement.

The boys run towards a giant, fiberglass My Little Pony.

Pete turns to Lorne.

Pete: You never stand up for me, man.

Lorne looks at Pete. He shrugs. His shoulder plates click together.

____

Aurora Stewart de Peña is half of the theatre company Birdtown & Swanville (the other half is Nika Mistruzzi). You can follow her on Twitter at @Aurorahhh.

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