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

Overheard at Queen and Brookfield

Kazuo, dressed in a Canada Post uniform, with a regulation Canada Post satchel slung over one shoulder, unlocks a post box on the southeast corner of Queen and Brookfield.

Lina, early 50s, dressed in brown jogging pants, a white house coat, and grey fluffy slippers that used to be white, approaches. She stops in front of Kazuo, folding her arms.

Lina: Can I get my mail?

Kazuo: Pardon?

Lina: Can I get my mail?

I live over at 29.

Kazuo looks in the Canada Post lock box, which is full of letters.

Kazuo: I haven’t even–

I have no proof of that. I can’t just give you mail for 29.

Lina: What’s this, you want proof?

I’ve lived there for 20 years. You want ID?

Kazuo: No, I just need to deliver the mail to the addresses on the envelopes. I can’t just give it out to the first asker.

Lina: You see me every day. We nod at each other, we wave.

Kazuo stares at Lina.

Lina: Every day.

You don’t remember me?

Kazuo looks at his mail.

Kazuo: No, I guess I don’t.

Lina: I live at 29.

Kazuo: I’m sorry.

____

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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