The Pacific Conservatory Theater is excited to present Sanctuary City, a powerful and timely drama by Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright, Martyna Majok. In this powerful coming-of-age story, two teens forge a deep bond amid the complexities of immigration, identity, belonging and love. It will be playing in the Severson Theatre from February 27 through March 16, 2025.
Two teenagers find solace in each other while navigating the harsh realities of living in Newark, New Jersey, in 2001. As their bond deepens, they grapple with the uncertainty of their futures and what they are willing to risk for each other in the only country they’ve known as home. Majok’s poignant storytelling illuminates the sacrifices of DREAMers, lovers and lifelong friends, weaving fractured time and memories in a play that transcends borders and genres.
Director Sara Rademacher Notes –
Sanctuary: A sacred place, set apart from the ordinary world. A place that offers refuge, a chance to live with dignity.
“As I write this, only a few days into rehearsal, I feel the weight of this story and its extraordinary relevance to our times. The headlines are relentless—policies shift, borders tighten and humanity too often gets lost in the noise. This play sits in the dissonance between the complex systems that govern us and the simple, undeniable truth of human connection.” says Sara.
She continues, “At its core, Sanctuary City reminds us that sanctuary is not just a physical space—it can also exist in the bond between two people. In the face of fear and uncertainty, the characters in this story find refuge in each other.”
Rademacher explains, “As much as I’d like to offer an uplifting note, this story feels so deeply tied to the world we’re living in, and the weight of that can be overwhelming. Luckily, that is exactly what theatre is good at—holding space for complexity and allowing us to sit with these questions together. Martyna Majok has written a beautiful, searing, and emotionally immersive play that challenges us to confront what often goes unseen, and to ask what we owe each other as human beings. It’s a powerful reminder that compassion and connection can be radical acts of defiance in a world that often values division over dignity. I don’t know what will have changed in our laws or politics by the time you are reading this. But what hasn’t changed—and never will—is our need to be seen, heard and held with dignity. I hope this story creates space for reflection, connection and recognition of the humanity we all share. Thank you for being here. Thank you for seeing, hearing and sharing this experience with us and each other.”
Creative Team & Cast
The Creative Team includes Director Sara Rademacher, Costume Designer Klara Wilson, Scenic Designer Anne McMeeking, Lighting Designer Cody Soper, Lighting Designer Jenna Agredano, Sound Designer Mimi Daniel and Stage Manager Rebekah Carriere.
The Cast includes Andrew Missael Banderas as B, Kiara Plaza as G and Alexander Pimentel* as Henry.
*Member, Actors’ Equity Association
Ticket Information
To purchase tickets for the show, please visit pcpa.org or call the Box Office at (805)922-8313. For more information, contact Kelly Stegall at (805)928-7731 ext. 4150. If you’re interested in reviewing a show, please reach out to Yanelly Garcia at [email protected]