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

Overheard at Yorkdale Mall

Miles and Sanjay, late twenties, carry bags with the words “Bench,” “Banana Republic,” and “Crate and Barrel” written on them. They stroll slowly, chatting.

A remote controlled flying helicopter zips out of a kiosk and catches Sanjay’s eye.

Sanjay: Oh, this is cool, I saw this last week. You’ll like this. I almost got this for you, actually.

(To Marco and Ryan, who are working at the Kiosk) Can we get a demonstration?

Marco: (Fumbling with the remote control, dropping it) Uh–

Ryan: (Grabbing the remote control) Just give it to me!

Marco: (In an exaggerated lisp, with an exagerated roll of the eyes, to Sanjay) He’th alwayth like thith!

Ryan: (Picking up Marco’s lisp, putting a hand tentatively on Marco’s shoulder) Jutht thut up!

Sanjay and Miles stare back at Marco and Ryan, eyes wide.

Marco: (Dropping his hand at the wrist) Don’t mind uth, we’ve been together for four yearth!

Sanjay and Miles stare at Ryan and Marco.

Ryan and Marco stare at Sanjay and Miles.

Ryan takes his hand off Marco’s shoulder.

Marco unbends his wrist and puts it in his pocket.

Sanjay: I don’t think you have, actually.

Marco: Uh–

Sanjay and Miles turn, walking away from the kiosk.

Miles looks back over his shoulder at Ryan, Marco, and their flying helicopter kiosk.

Miles: Happy New Year!

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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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