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

Overheard on Queen St. between Niagara and Strachan.

Jordan, 28 is wearing a hooded sweatshirt, knee-length cargo shorts, and pristine white sneakers. He’s quite sweaty.

Lizzy, 35, wears a clingy summer dress. She is also quite sweaty.

They walk West, Jordan slightly ahead.

Two teenagers smoking a joint duck behind a corner.

Jordan turns back, looks at Lizzy.

Jordan: Excuse me.

Lizzy tries to look away.

Aw, don’t try to ignore me. I saw you see me.

Lizzy: Sorry?

Jordan: You know what that smell is? 

Lizzy: Um, yeah, I’m 35.

Jordan: That’s a good age. Gorgeous age.

Lizzy rolls her eyes. Jordan laughs, he extends his hand. Lizzy takes it.

I’m Jordan.

Lizzy: I’m Lizzy.

They begin walking together. 

Jordan: Lizzy, I like that name.

You know what it means?

Lizzy: It’s short for Elizabeth.

Jordan: Yeah, it’s short for Elizabeth, but I bet it means beautiful.

Lizzy smiles.

Lizzy: Whatever. I think it actually means “sweaty.”

Jordan: (throwing his arms open) Hey, we’re all sweaty today. Besides, it looks good on you.

Lizzy: Oh my God.

Jordan: What?

Lizzy: You’re totally just hitting on me.

Jordan: Yeah, well you’re cute. And sweaty. And 35. That’s my type.

Lizzy: Yeah, I’m sure it’s how you always pictured your future wife.

Jordan: Well, I’m cute and sweaty, and 28. So we should get to know each other, that’s what I’m saying.

Lizzy looks at Jordan.

She looks back at the teenagers smoking pot.

She looks at her reflection in a store window. 

Lizzy: Okay. 

Jordan smiles. The two walk west, side by side.

____

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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