WOW everyday I go to rehearsal I am thrilled to the toes to see the actors. Before rehearsals started I was so tense, almost dreading it. But now I wonder if I am in one of the happiest periods of my life.

Last night, we were beginning to build the city section that is the foundation of Ikuko’s voiceover part of the play. This part of the play is textless, all movement, a cinematic journey through the city. I had the actors create a physical sequence of movement and suspensions that encapsulated a day in their lives. It ended up being so moving, to witness the most private/public moments. Later they repeated their sequences while speaking out loud their internal monologue. Another revelation.

“The sky is so beautiful between the buildings. Better with clouds.”

“I wonder if black people think I’m racist because I’m holding onto my bag on my lap, but it was already there before I saw them.”

“If I pretend to be looking around at everybody in the elevator, I can catch a better glimpse of that cute guy.”

“I know I’m always late, but tomorrow I might be early.”

There is something so indescribably intimate about peering into someone’s life when they are traversing a public space, when they are supposed to be unrecognized, anonymous.

My commute to work this morning I kept thinking about everybody’s morning routine. Is Jy taking a smoke break? Did Dawn get her polenta? Did Connie get her window seat? Is Drae walking the dachshund?