image: kingbluecondos.com
A series of mini-dramas based on public conversations, as overheard and rewritten by local playwright/director Aurora Stewart de Peña.
Overheard at FanExpo
Lorne’s Iron Man costume is perfect. A glowing light emanates from his red chest, and when he walks his hip joints makes a whirring sound.
Pete’s Spiderman costume is saggy, transparent from wear in some places. He does not stand straight.
Cayden, Jayden and Chase, all 8 years old, scamper up to Lorne.
Cayden, Jayden and Chase: Iron Man, Iron Man!
Lorne turns his head towards them, he opens his arms.
Pete, straightens up, striking a Spiderman pose.
Jayden: Iron Man, can we get our pictures with you?
Iron Man / Lorne gives the three boys a thumbs up.
Cayden, Jayden and Chase all gather round Lorne.
Pete: Hey, what about me?
Jayden: Who are you supposed to be?
Pete: Uh, hello?
Pete leaps nimbly in the air and lands soundlessly on his feet.
Pete: I’m SPIDERMAN.
Jayden: Hm, yeah, maybe.
Pete: What do you mean, maybe?
Jayden: Well, Spiderman is confident.
Pete: Not when he’s Peter Parker.
Jayden looks at his feet.
Pete: I have a secret identity, I have to play it cool so I can be sneaky.
Marciano, Jayden’s Dad: Sorry bro, could you step out of the way?
Pause.
Pete steps out of the way. Marciano takes the picture.
Jayden, Cayden and Chase: Thanks Iron Man!
Lorne raises a robotic hand in acknowledgement.
The boys run towards a giant, fiberglass My Little Pony.
Pete turns to Lorne.
Pete: You never stand up for me, man.
Lorne looks at Pete. He shrugs. His shoulder plates click together.
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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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