December

by Marisela Treviño Orta

When college poetry instructor Carolina and her student Benjamin first meet an attraction blossoms, but the possibility of romance is halted by Carolina who cannot overlook the age difference in good conscience. Spanning twenty years, this May-December romance follows Carolina and Benjamin as they meet at three different moments in their lives. DECEMBER is a meditation on love, poetry, and timing.

When college poetry instructor Carolina and her student Benjamin first meet an attraction blossoms, but the possibility of romance is halted by Carolina who cannot overlook the age difference in good conscience. Spanning twenty years, this May-December romance follows Carolina and Benjamin as they meet at three different moments in their lives. DECEMBER is a meditation on love, poetry, and timing.

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December

Recommended by

  • Rosa Fernandez: December by Marisela Treviño Orta
    “

    Such a startlingly beautiful play about love and never quite getting the timing right. It is poetic and poignant as it is heartbreaking. It's a reminder that pure love is about recognizing and admiring someone's magic and that those types of connections come rarely. Treviño Orta writes from a place of true vulnerability. Loved it!

    Such a startlingly beautiful play about love and never quite getting the timing right. It is poetic and poignant as it is heartbreaking. It's a reminder that pure love is about recognizing and admiring someone's magic and that those types of connections come rarely. Treviño Orta writes from a place of true vulnerability. Loved it!

    ”

Character Information

Two different actors play CAROLINA. The first actor plays CAROLINA at age 40 and age 48. This version of CAROLINA should look young for her age. The second actor plays CAROLINA at age 60. This version of CAROLINA should look like she’s aged gracefully.

Two different actors play BENJAMIN. The first actor plays BENJAMIN at age 20. This version of BENJAMIN should be tall, lanky, and adorable. The second actor plays BENJAMIN at age 28 and 40. This later version of BENJAMIN should be the man he’s grown into—no longer looks boyish in his 40s.
  • Carolina
    Intelligent.
    40 and 48
    Latino
    Female
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      40s
    • Actor Race/Ethnic Identity
      Latinx/o/a or Hispanic
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Woman
  • Benjamin
    Intelligent.
    28, and 40
    Latino
    Male
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      30s,
      40s
    • Actor Race/Ethnic Identity
      Latinx/o/a or Hispanic
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Man
  • Carolina
    60
    Latino
    Female
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      50s,
      60s
    • Actor Race/Ethnic Identity
      Latinx/o/a or Hispanic
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Woman
  • Benjamin
    20
    Latino
    Male
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s
    • Actor Race/Ethnic Identity
      Latinx/o/a or Hispanic
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Man

Development History

  • Reading, Alley Theatre, 2023
  • Reading, Goodman Theatre, 2019
  • Commission, Goodman Theatre, 2018

Production History

  • Professional, Alley Theatre, 2025