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

Overheard at Nathan Phillips Square

A line of people in their 40’s and 50’s stand in front of Nathan Phillips Square. They hold signs that say “Stop the Genocide,” “Learn about Falun Gong,” and “End the Torture.” They wear Winter coats, they do not smile.

Enter Richard, late 50’s. He’s wearing three jackets, all in varying states of decay, and ripped jeans. He carries a bottle of something wrapped in a brown paper bag.

He walks up and down the line, like an army sergeant inspecting soldiers.  He has a heavy, unsteady step.

Richard: What are you guys out here for?

Pause.

Why have you all gathered here today?

Huh?

Richard takes a drink from his bottle. The sign holders keep holding their signs.

It’s cold out here, didn’t you hear the weather? Negative 3 but it feels like negative 30 with wind chill.

Pause.

(To the sky) Feels like negative 30 with wind chill!

Richard throws his arms wide like Jesus Christ on the cross.

(Yelling) This is Canada!

You can be who you want to be!

You can have whatever race or religion you want!  Sleep with men, sleep with women, sleep with dogs! Whatever you want!

The sign holders keep holding their signs. Some look at Richard, some look straight ahead.

You’re free! All of you, you’re free!

So GO!

Enjoy the beautiful day!

Negative 30 with wind chill! 

Richard takes another long sip from his bottle. He approaches a woman in her late 70s, holding a sign that says “WE WILL NOT BE INVISIBLE ANYMORE.” He puts his face close to her face, she looks at him, he looks at her.

Go, be free. Enjoy this beautiful free country on this beautiful day.

____

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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