The Play

As the sun sets, I seek the cool breeze of the terrace. A show is starting and the price of admission is only a free moment and a watchful eye. I peer over the balcony onto the street below and watch as the stage unfolds.

Entering stage left is a group of young boys returning from their soccer match in the alleys of Mermoz. They chatter excitedly in a mix of languages and jostle each other as they remove their cleats. Their voices mix with the bleats of melancholy sheep from the roofs of neighboring houses.

Cue the street lights. The overture starts with the rhythmic melody of the call to prayer.

Fathers walk up and down the street holding the tiny hands of their wobbling toddlers, stooping to assist in the case of a tumble. More characters enter the street to fill the spotlight. 

Woman 1: Salaam maalekum.

Woman 2: Maalekum salaam. Ca va?

The herd of boys has organized a game of hide and seek. (Boy: Un, deux, trois...) The smallest one cheats. Conspicuously.

Bats pour out of the mango tree across the street and soar over the stage, their expansive wingspans casting shadows on the ground.

The action picks up now. Young man enters stage right. Clearly the protagonist, he is adored by the young boys and they immediately abandon their game to swarm him. The hero takes a seat next to a pretty girl. Hero greets the boys with gusto, greets the girl shyly. 

Cups of strong and sweet ataaya are poured. "Jamm rekk" Peace only on the street. 

A woman takes her laundry down from the line. A skinny alley cat scales a wall and then descends into the neighbor's garden. 

And now, a commotion stage right. A homeless man, unhinged and staggering, yells at the stray dog and the dog barks back. This is an argument they've had before. It's an interesting plot device, two mirrors meeting and loathing their reflection. A neighbor brings out a plate of food and a bottle of water. The yelling stops. The smell of roasting corn mixes with incense and floats above the street. 

Turning away from the street, I have some questions about the plot but I've lost the languages to pose them in. Why? Pourquoi? Lutax? And as much as I'd like to see this show dubbed in English, I believe much would be lost in translation. 

No matter, it's dinnertime anyway.  This is a scene that has played out before and will play out again on another cool evening.  I'll catch the second act another time.