Image: everystockphoto.com

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

Overheard in the lobby of the Canada Trust at Ossington and Queen

Mihir, 58, is dressed in a security guard’s uniform with a walkie-talkie strapped to his belt. He holds the door for Joanie and Ron, who are leaving the bank. They are also in their late 50s, both attired in wool coats and glasses with unconventional frames.

Mihir: Have a nice day.

Joanie: (Pronouncing every syllable clearly) Oh, thank you. We will.

Mihir nods.

Joanie pauses, she turns toward him. She tilts her head and smiles.

(Speaking with the precision of a Children’s TV host) It’s very, very cold outside.

Mihir: Yes, it’s Winter.

Joanie: Yes.

Pause.

Ron: It’s probably a lot colder here than in your home country.

Mihir: Yes, it’s colder in Canada. 

Joanie: (Moving a little closer to Mihir) What is your home country?

Mihir: I’m from Sri Lanka.

Joanie and Ron look at each other. They nod empathetically at Mihir.

Joanie: (Softly, but still clearly) You are Tamil?

Mihir: Yes.

Ron: (Sincerely) Welcome.

Ron extends a hand. Mihir shakes it once, then crosses his arms.

Pause.

You know, I don’t agree with everything the Tamil Tigers do, gun violence is never good.

Mihir looks at Ron, his jaw tight.

But I’m glad you’re here in Canada, where it’s safe.

Joanie: Yes, welcome home.

Pause. 

Mihir: Thank you.

Joanie touches Mihir’s elbow.

Joanie: Have a nice day.

Joanie and Ron turn to leave. They wave exaggeratedly and smile. Mihir stares at the bank machines.

____

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.

For more, follow us on Twitter at @torontostandard, and subscribe to our newsletter.