Wanted in Rome Magazine. Cannes movies showing in Rome cinemas. English-language theatre in Rome: Peter and the Starcatcher. Sei dotata? Quanto costa? Valeria, an elegant mulatta, turns her head and scans the square for clients. Earlier this night, they tried to get lucky with tourist girls. Later on this night, they will score drugs before going back to hotel Mum and Dad.
Valeria had to leave home when she was Her father had gone berserk when he discovered that his son Valerio liked dressing up as a girl, to become Valeria. Whereas her classmates were going through puberty, Valeria was thrown straight into adulthood.
No holding hands, no romantic strolls, but impersonal paid sex: 30 reais for a blow job, 50 for the full menu. Unlike her peers, Valeria managed to stay clear of drugs.
Violence, however, became part of everyday life. She carried a razorblade to cut her forearms in case the police arrested her β in Brazil, it was safer ending up in hospital than in a police station. In Europe, life would no doubt be better. Hot air spreads around the abattoir a smell of meat, waste and excrements.
On the pavement along the graffiti wall, between shattered glass and used toilet paper, Valeria tries to balance herself in high heels. The students turn around the corner. Cars are jamming the square. Motorcycles are roaring through. Almost midnight and it is like rush hour. Yet, Valeria has to make a living. She has to earn the money before dawn. Since her visa expired, every public space has become off-limits by day.
