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

Overheard at the Metro at College and Crawford around 3 p.m. 

Rupal and Vitali, both in their very early 20s, wear black. The sleeves of Vitali’s band t-shirt have been ripped off. He has gel in his hair, making it look like it’s being blown back with a strong wind. The back of Rupal’s dress is cut out, her nail polish, hot pink, is chipped. Both have NXNE badges around their necks.

They are purchasing three types of hot dogs, and three types of buns.

Rupal: You know that thing where you’re tired but you’re buzzed?

Vitali: (Chortling) Yeah.

Rupal: I’m like, totally tired, but totally buzzed.

I’m, like, blanking on reality right now.

Vitali holds up his hand to give Rupal a high five.

She turns. She looks at his hand. She lifts her palm to meet his. She misses.

Vitali: That sucked.

Rupal looks at her hand.

Jack, the Cashier: Do you need any bags?

Rupal jumps at the sound of his voice.

She stares at him.

Rupal: Sorry, what?

Jack: Bags.

Do you need any bags?

Vitali laughs.

Vitali: Yeah, we need a bag.

He puts an arm around Rupal.

Let’s get you another beer.

Rupal: And a hot dog.

Vitali: And a hot dog.

____

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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