Our block's actual reality could probably serve as the content of a modern American novel.
We have the old couple who has lived on the block forever -- yes, and the other one and the other one, too. There are the older folks who walk every day and are always willing to say hello, and otherwise never say anything except in complaint. The old man who sits on his porch (in nice weather) and pets every dog who walks by.
We have young boys and martial arts in a bathrobe. A super-sized insect cuticula left on the trunk of the maple tree in the terrace outside their house. The many adventures and one misadventure with the dog.
We have an ongoing neighborhood feud which includes video tapes and a visit from the police.
We had a drug arrest once, although the canine unit stayed in the car. And there was a terrific and fatal automobile crash at the end of the block, which fortunately didn't involve any of our residents.
There would be no trick in filling up the novel. The trick would be finding an author who can write well enough to do us justice and will live here long enough to learn the stories. I can't do it. I have doubts about my writing but it is in talking with the neighbors long enough that I am certain to fail the assignment.
No, it would have to be somebody else, somebody with a gift for words, an appreciation for actual reality, and the willingness to let us out spin the tales that are to be woven into the plot.
And what would be the result of that play, if we found the player to make it?