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...

[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

  • Lainie Vansant: Ageless by Bridgette Dutta Portman
    “

    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!

    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: Ageless by Bridgette Dutta Portman
    “

    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.

    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: Ageless by Bridgette Dutta Portman
    “

    A powerful look at aging, our fears around it and the toll that takes on us. Well done.

    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
    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.
    Ages from 15 to 90
    Any
    Female
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s,
      30s,
      40s,
      50s,
      60s,
      70s+
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Female,
      Non-binary
  • Olivia
    Marin’s mother, also a genetic researcher. Appears early-mid 30s; does not appear to age throughout the play.
    Appears 30s
    Any
    Female
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      30s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Female,
      Non-binary
  • Errick
    Marin’s boyfriend and later husband. A hydraulic engineer. Begins the play at 15 and appears mid-20s throughout the rest of the play.
    Appears 20s
    Any
    Male
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Male,
      Non-binary
  • Coral
    Daughter of Marin and Errick.
    Teens/early 20s
    Any
    Female
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      Teens,
      20s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Female,
      Non-binary
  • Dylan
    Marin’s father, 80s. Has aged naturally for most of his life.
    80s
    Any
    Male
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      70s+
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Male,
      Non-binary
  • Aged Marin
    Marin in her late 80s. Functions as a narrator.
    Late 80s
    Any
    Female
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      70s+
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Female,
      Non-binary

Development History

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

Production History

  • Professional, Quantum Dragon Theatre, 2017

Awards

  • Best Stageplay
    Moondance Film Festival
    Winner
    2023