The Alley Theatre, a cornerstone of Houston's vibrant arts scene, is making headlines once again. Thanks to a generous $25,000 award from the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA), the Alley Theatre is bringing a groundbreaking love story to life. This grant supports the world premiere of December: a love years in the making, written by acclaimed Texas playwright Marisela Treviño Orta. With this production, the Alley continues its legacy of showcasing poignant, transformative works that reflect the heart and soul of the community it serves.

A Love Letter to Poetry and Connection

Under the masterful direction of Marcela Lorca, December: a love years in the making weaves a lyrical tale of love, music, and poetry. This heartfelt drama follows the lives of two Texans—a creative writing professor and her former student—whose bond deepens over two decades through their shared passion for poetry. Infused with classic and original works, Orta’s play is, in her own words, “a love letter to poetry.”

Artistic Director Rob Melrose recalls the audience's emotional reaction to the play’s reading at the 2023 Alley All New Festival: “At the end of the performance, there were tears flowing down many faces in the audience. I knew we had to do the world premiere. This beautifully written play is a celebration of connection, and we’re honored to share it with Houston.”

Bringing the Arts Closer to the Community

The NEA grant isn’t just fueling a remarkable production; it’s also paving the way for powerful community engagement. The Alley Theatre is amplifying the impact of December with initiatives that extend beyond the stage:

• Cuentos y Charlas: A bilingual series of talks and discussions that dive into the themes of the play, providing a platform for thoughtful dialogue.
• EducArte: Tu Voz: A poetry workshop series aimed at empowering participants to express themselves through creative writing.
• Primer Borrador Residencies: In collaboration with community partners SuVida and AAMA, these workshops invite senior citizens and students to pen their personal love stories, which will be presented at the Alley Theatre on January 23.
• Interactive Love Letter-Writing Station: Throughout the play’s run, audiences can share their own stories of love and connection in a hands-on way.

Baldemar Rodriguez, the Alley Theatre’s Manager of Community Partnerships, highlights the transformative nature of these programs: “For many participants, this is their first opportunity to express themselves and experience the theatre. It opens doors to new possibilities—be it higher education, career opportunities, or simply the joy of storytelling.”

Houston’s Arts Scene Shines Bright

As part of a nationwide initiative, the NEA awarded more than $31.8 million in grants to 1,127 arts projects this year. Maria Rosario Jackson, PhD, Chair of the NEA, emphasized the significance of these investments: “The NEA is proud to support organizations like the Alley Theatre that enrich our communities and celebrate the diversity of our nation’s creative spirit.”

Houston, mark your calendars! December: a love years in the making promises to be more than just a performance—it’s an experience that will resonate long after the final curtain call.

Event Details

📅 World Premiere: January 2025
📍 Location: Hubbard Theatre, Alley Theatre
💬 Learn More: Visit www.alleytheatre.org

With a blend of artistic excellence and community enrichment, the Alley Theatre is proving once again why it remains a beacon of culture in the Bayou City. Don’t miss your chance to witness a masterpiece in the making—because in December, love and poetry take center stage.