Sanctuary City actors (bottom to top) Clay Man Soo (as B), Stephanie Anne Bertumen (as G), Keivin Vang (as Henry).
(Photo/Tony Nelson)
BY KAY SCHROVEN
If you’ve not seen a Frank Theater production, or been to Open Eye Theater, I cannot think of a better time or reason than to see “Sanctuary City”, directed by Wendy Knox. She and her talented team are the essence of what makes the Twin Cities a rich, theatrical climate. And Open Eye Theater is the perfect space for this powerful, intimate story.
Internationally successful Playwright Martyna Majok – awarded a Pulitzer Prize in 2018 for “Cost of Living” and nominated for a Tony – has penned a story for the times and the ages. Knox said of “Sanctuary City”, it “seems eerily prescient about things that are happening in the world around us. Watching the deportation raids on the evening news as we are getting ready to open this play has cast a sobering pall over the work that we’ve been doing.”
The story is a portrait of a friendship and centers on the relationship between B, played by Clay Man Soo and G, played by Stephanie Anne Bertumen, – Dreamers, who are now teens living in post 9/11 Newark, N.J. Having grown up together under harsh circumstances with immigrant parents, they have become each other’s “sanctuary”, sharing food, homework, birthdays, the prom, secrets and sometimes even a bed. B speaks of his mother who “Doesn’t know what to be afraid of, but she is.” In spite of their bond, tensions build when G becomes naturalized and goes off to college in Boston, while B remains in Newark working long hours in a bar. Frustrated with his situation, B rants “I’ve been hiding and lying for 13 years!” The two hatch a plan to marry in order for B to remain in the country and pursue his dreams, such as getting an education beyond high school. He swoons with thoughts of books, a green campus, fellow students.
(Photo/Tony Nelson)
The play moves swiftly as the two actors move about the stage, spotlighted as they interact upstage, downstage, on a bed, in a window, etc. The dialogue is compelling as they prepare to face the anticipated questioning of authorities who have the power to enable or not enable their marriage. They practice their answers to the anticipated questions throughout the play, “Where did you meet? When did you meet? What’s his favorite food? Is there anything unique about her body?” Repetition of dialogue is used to underscore the important issues and questions, and silence lingers once they are spoken leaving the audience to “soak” in them. The combination of using spotlights (Tony Stoeri, lighting), repetitive dialogue and music (Dan Dukich, sound design) creates a unique and immersive atmosphere for the audience.
While serious in subject matter, “Sanctuary City” is not without lightness and humor. B and G are teens after all. They climb through windows, cuss and dance. B’s dance performance to the Backstreet Boys, “I Want it That Way” is a delight. He is tall and graceful, and the teen can dance.
(Photo/Tony Nelson)
The height of the play’s tension comes when a third character Henry is introduced, played by Keivin Vang; alliances, intentions, loyalties and future plans go askew. B must now make the most important decision of his life, which will impact his entire future.
Purposefully, the two main characters have letters (B & G) rather than full names, reflecting the author’s intention to not specify ethnic background. B & G could be immigrants from Somali, Korea, Venezuela, Mexico, etc. Knox says that Majok was going for a universal experience here where “The impact that the official paperwork has on all aspects of their lives and their socioeconomic well-being cannot be underestimated.” TheaterMania writes of “Sanctuary City”, “An effort to tell the truth about experiences that the largely upper-middle-class audiences wouldn’t otherwise have.”
Once again (as in “Ironbound”) Majok bravely tackles themes of class, gender, sexuality, friendship, trust and the concept of belonging and home. Talent and impressive theatrical teamwork make “Sanctuary City” another Frank Theater gem. Specifically, a gem for our times.
A Frank Theater Production at Open Eye Theater:
506 E. 24th St. Mpls.
On stage through Feb. 23, 2025.
franktheatre.org
612-724-3760
