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?
  • Recommend
  • Download
  • Save to Reading List

Ageless

Recommended by

  • Lainie Vansant:
    22 May. 2024
    “ This play is sure to make you think -- about aging, about family, about the environment. There's a lot here, held together with true human connection and, as a bonus, women in STEM! ”
  • 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. ”
View all 7 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

Awards

Winner
,
Best Stageplay
,
Moondance Film Festival
,
2023