Ageless by Bridgette Dutta Portman

[Full-length] Ninety is the new thirty at the turn of the 22nd century. When Marin refuses to take the anti-aging drug celebrated by the rest of society, she invokes her mother’s ire and risks becoming marginalized in a culture that worships youth, denies death, and treats old age as a malady. As Marin’s choice begins to affect not only her but the people she loves, will she find the strength to hold out, or succumb to social pressure?
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Ageless

Recommended by

  • Conor McShane:
    6 Dec. 2021
    “ The worldbuilding in this play is fantastic, suggesting a highly plausible future world where we may have solved aging but are still forced to confront the end of our existence. The hyper-sterile world suggests that without aging, life loses much of its meaning, without much use for art or poetry. The play presents some fascinating ethical dilemmas: aging is a natural part of life, but can bring a great deal of suffering; wouldn't we try to prevent it if we could? Portman's sensitive writing and masterful control of language make this a truly stunning play I'd love to see. ”
  • Cheryl Bear:
    5 Jul. 2021
    “ A powerful look at aging, our fears around it and the toll that takes on us. Well done. ”
  • Hope Villanueva:
    6 Jun. 2020
    “ A completely fascinating musing on the future and aging (and not aging) that still manages to remain personal and human. It's possible to see each character's struggle clearly, making it impossible to take sides in the play's central debate: Is it better to age or stay forever young? I'd love to see this play in production, as well, and learn what a good group of designers will do with the future technology elements. ”
View all 6 recommendations

Character Information

The role of MARIN, who ages throughout the play, can be cast in a variety of ways. One suggestion is to split the role between two actors: one able to play teenage and 30-year-old Marin, and one able to play Marin at ages 50+. The younger Marin could be double-cast with Coral.

  • Marin
    Ages from 15 to 90,
    Any
    ,
    Female
    A genetic researcher and struggling poet. Dreamy and morbid. Begins the play at age 15 and ends at almost 90. Ages naturally throughout the play.
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      Any adult age
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Any race/ethnicity
    • Gender: 
      Female, Non-binary
  • Olivia
    Appears 30s,
    Any
    ,
    Female
    Marin’s mother, also a genetic researcher. Appears early-mid 30s; does not appear to age throughout the play.
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      30s
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Any race/ethnicity
    • Gender: 
      Female, Non-binary
  • Errick
    Appears 20s,
    Any
    ,
    Male
    Marin’s boyfriend and later husband. A hydraulic engineer. Begins the play at 15 and appears mid-20s throughout the rest of the play.
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      20s
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Any race/ethnicity
    • Gender: 
      Male, Non-binary
  • Coral
    Teens/early 20s,
    Any
    ,
    Female
    Daughter of Marin and Errick.
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      Teens, 20s
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Any race/ethnicity
    • Gender: 
      Female, Non-binary
  • Dylan
    80s,
    Any
    ,
    Male
    Marin’s father, 80s. Has aged naturally for most of his life.
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      70s+
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Any race/ethnicity
    • Gender: 
      Male, Non-binary
  • Aged Marin
    Late 80s,
    Any
    ,
    Female
    Marin in her late 80s. Functions as a narrator.
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      70s+
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Any race/ethnicity
    • Gender: 
      Female, Non-binary

Development History

  • Reading
    ,
    Four Walls Theater
    ,
    2020
  • Reading
    ,
    Quantum Dragon Theatre
    ,
    2017

Production History

  • Professional
    ,
    Quantum Dragon Theatre
    ,
    2017