This play was written by Simon O’Mara as part of the Tenderfoot programme at the Civic Theatre in Tallaght for Transition Year students. ‘Departures’ is a comic look at being 30, being in a relationship and being in an airport all at the same time. Below is an excerpt from ‘Departures’.

Sam crosses to a small cafe area. There are two stools. Cassie is sitting on one of them and Sam takes a seat beside her. She keeps looking at him and then away, fidgeting on the seat. She eventually turns to face him.

Woman: Did your flight get delayed?

Sam: Yeah

Woman: Mine too. There seems to be a lot of that going around, doesn’t there?

Sam:Yep.

Woman: Where you heading?

Sam: Athens.

Woman: That’s funny. I was guessing Paris.

Sam: Why’d you think that?

Woman: I don’t know. Just a hunch, I guess. I do that a lot. In fact this is the first time that I’ve ever gotten something wrong.

Sam: Sceptically. The first time?

Woman: I’m very perceptive. How long are you staying in Athens?

Sam: One week.

Woman: Dammit! I was guessing two. You’re starting to annoy me now.

Sam: Did you ever think that people might just be humouring you?

Woman: No. I would have sensed it.

Sam: I never got your name.

Woman: I never gave it.

Sam: I’m Sam.

Woman: Cassie.

Pause

Sam: Do you make a habit of talking to people in airports?

Cassie: No. You’re special. Why Athens?

Sam: I don’t know. Karen wanted to go so…

Cassie: The woman I saw you with earlier?

Sam: How did you see her?

Cassie: I see everything. Plus… Leaning towards him. She’s kinda loud, isn’t she?

Sam: It’s just been a stressful day with delays and everything.

Cassie: Airports are hell! The good thing is that you only ever come here to leave.

Sam: Where are you going?

Cassie: Siberia.

Sam: On business?

Cassie: No, just a holiday.

Sam: Not your typical holiday destination, is it?

Cassie: Whispering. I’m not exactly your typical kind of girl. In case you haven’t noticed.

Copyright Simon O’Mara January 2009