Vittoria Traverso’s article titled “Why do balconies inspire us?” (BBC Travel; 10 April 2020; link is below) tells about musicians in Italy performing concerts attended by residents watching from their balconies.
One of the musicians is quoted as saying, “A lot of people thanked us for making them feel less lonely.”
Another quote from the article was “Balconies are reminding people of the importance to look outside and connect with something bigger than themselves.”
Two powerful statements at any time; more so during the pandemic.
Rather than stopping with Traverso’s question of “Why do balconies inspire us?” it seemed a fair question to ask “How do balconies inspire us?” That gentle shifting of the focus seemed to suggest a setting and two characters.
The setting was immediate: Two balconies during a pandemic. Characters followed soon after: One for each balcony. But what could their stories be?
Romance! Forbidden, not by families, but stay-at-home ordinances. Describe the suitors. Modern versions of Romeo and Juliet? That was okay, but better characters were waiting to be discovered. How about a pair of seventy-five-year-olds each with a backstory. That worked.
Add artwork, a title, and summary and . . .
BEYOND REACH – A romance between two strangers quarantined in separate apartments during a pandemic.
(Photo credit: Anastasia Shuraeva)
Fast forward from the article’s date of publication through today and a production script is finished.
At written, this is a five-eight episode series for The 3:57 podcast to be produced and hosted by William E. Spear. Recording is scheduled to begin within a week. Further details will be forthcoming.
Be safe! Be healthy! Look look outside and connect with something bigger!
Article links:
BBC Travel: Why do balconies inspire us?
Clay Track Press 