for the rest of our lives

by Erin Malone Turner

Petra & Orion are a princess and a commoner existing thousands of years ago who make art and contemplate life and death. Lily & Jude are colonists in the 18th century figuring out what they are to each other. Amira & Kismet are 21st century museum archivists; they study the past and attempt to keep things professional between them. And the Woman & Man exist in a realm between lives. This play is an excavation...

Petra & Orion are a princess and a commoner existing thousands of years ago who make art and contemplate life and death. Lily & Jude are colonists in the 18th century figuring out what they are to each other. Amira & Kismet are 21st century museum archivists; they study the past and attempt to keep things professional between them. And the Woman & Man exist in a realm between lives. This play is an excavation that explores artifacts, the resilience of a relationship, & what truly stands the test of time.

read more
  • Inquire About Rights
  • Recommend
  • Download
  • Save to Library

for the rest of our lives

Recommended by

  • Leroy Hood: for the rest of our lives by Erin Malone Turner
    “

    for the rest of our lives is ambitious in its scope, placing its two (four, six?) lead characters within different times, social stations, and cultures, examining how love can endure and transcend such earthly limitations. Readers/audiences are transported to an Arabic kingdom, 18th century England, and finally the near future with two lead characters serving as emotional anchors.

    for the rest of our lives is ambitious in its scope, placing its two (four, six?) lead characters within different times, social stations, and cultures, examining how love can endure and transcend such earthly limitations. Readers/audiences are transported to an Arabic kingdom, 18th century England, and finally the near future with two lead characters serving as emotional anchors.

    ”

Character Information

PETRA/LILY/WOMAN/AMIRA - one actress of color will play this track. must be able to portray late teens to 30.
ORION/JUDE/MAN/KISMET - one actor of color will play this track. must be able to portray late teens to 30.
  • Petra/Lily/Woman/Amira
    Throughout all three characters, she is intelligent and self-assured.
    PETRA - a painter & a princess. 16 years old. The King's only daughter, the youngest of five. Loves all kinds of art. Crafty and determined. She is sick and she will die young; she was raised knowing this.
    LILY - a homemaker & a bookbinder. Early 20s. The oldest of seven children whom she's almost fully responsible for. Doesn't want to get married and leave her family only to start a new one with someone she doesn't quite love the way she should. Sharp, mature, & capable.
    AMIRA - an archivist focusing on art & literature. Late 20s. She's one of the best in her field, but she'd never say so. Good multitasker. Likes to tease & joke around. Genuine, studious, & easygoing.
    WOMAN - her soul, or her essence. She asks questions & does what she wants.
    16 - Late 20s
    BIPOC
    Female
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s
    • Actor Race/Ethnic Identity
      Asian, Pacific Islander, or Asian American,
      Black, African, Caribbean, or African American,
      Indigenous, First Nation, or Native American,
      Latinx/o/a or Hispanic,
      Middle Eastern, North African, or Arab American,
      Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander,
      South Asian or South Asian American
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Woman
  • Orion/Jude/Kismet
    Throughout the track, he is compassionate & open.
    ORION - a musician & a baker. 16 years old. He is the son of the palace musician that Petra hires to play music for her. He loves music and has been taught to make and play his own instruments. He also likes astronomy. He's the youngest of five, his family's only son. Polite, curious, & observant.
    JUDE - a dairy farmer and key collector. 21 years old. Kind, imperceptive, and patient. Very successful family business. Doesn't quite know the difference between how to serve and how to love.
    KISMET - an archivist focusing on bones and fossils. Late 20s. Loves to show love and make his feelings clear. Has never dated anyone; waiting on the right person. Guileless, introspective, & sweet.
    MAN - his soul, or essence. He reassures & supports her, and reminds her of his promise from thousands of years ago to stay by her side.
    16 - Late 20s
    BIPOC
    Male
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s
    • Actor Race/Ethnic Identity
      Asian, Pacific Islander, or Asian American,
      Black, African, Caribbean, or African American,
      Indigenous, First Nation, or Native American,
      Latinx/o/a or Hispanic,
      Middle Eastern, North African, or Arab American,
      Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander,
      South Asian or South Asian American
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Man

Development History

  • Residency, Arts Mission Oak Cliff, 2025

Production History

  • Workshop, Arts Mission Oak Cliff, 2025