ABOUT THIS SHOW
2001. Newark, NJ. Two teenagers, brought to America as children, now face an uneasy question: what are they willing to risk for a future together in the only country they've known? The simple joys of coming-of-age are challenged by the uncertainty of their next chapters. Pulitzer Prize-winner Martyna Majok brings light to the sacrifices made by DREAMers, lovers and lifelong friends in the heart-stirring and hopeful Sanctuary City—a story that fractures time and transcends memory—crossing boundaries, borders and genres in search of a place to call home.
Sanctuary City will be the first Steppenwolf production that includes both a full membership series run, as well as a full run of student matinees as a part of the Steppenwolf for Young Adults series, providing a synergistic opportunity to cultivate more intergenerational audiences.
Learn more about our Steppenwolf for Young Adults program here.
Sanctuary City will be performed in Steppenwolf's Ensemble Theater.
SANCTUARY CITY STUDY GUIDE
We invite you to take a look at our Study Guide—an interactive resource created by Steppenwolf Education to deepen your Sanctuary City experience. In addition to lesson plans and activities for the classroom, you will find articles, artist interviews and so much more! Explore the study guide.
Watch & Listen
Running Time
Due to the high volume and wide breadth of work we present, we are often not able to proactively offer content advisories for individual performances. However, if you have specific concerns about stage effects (such as strobe lights or fog/haze) that might have a bearing on comfort or well-being, or if you would like to know more about the age appropriateness of the performance, please contact the box office at 312-335-1650.
Digital Program
The Artists
- Playwright Martyna Majok
- Director Steph Paul
- Scenic Design Yeaji Kim
- Costume Design Izumi Inaba
- Lighting Design Reza Behjat
- Sound Design Mikhail Fiksel
- Creative Producer Patrick Zakem
- Production Manager Elise Hausken
- Casting Director JC Clementz
- Production Stage Manager Michelle Medvin
- Assistant Stage Manager Christine D. Freeburg
The Cast
- B - Grant Kennedy Lewis
- Henry - Brandon Rivera
- G - Jocelyn Zamudio
- Understudy - Robert T. Cunningham
- Understudy - Jonathan Moises Olivares
- Understudy - Bernadette Santos Schwegel
Reviews
"Stunningly beautiful and...emotionally immersive"
- Chicago Sun-Times
"beautifully written and directed”
- Chicago Tribune
"a lovely portrait of a deep friendship"
- Broadway World
"romantic and vicious and healing, over and over again."
- Talkin' Broadway
COMMUNITY PARTNERS
Community Care Collective (CCC33)
Support the newest Chicagoans (asylum seekers) by participating in their mutual aid network based in the 33rd Ward. Visit CCC33’s website to learn about their requests for donations (physical goods and monetary) on behalf of those in need.
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Aram Han Sifuentes and the HANA Center | The Fabric of Immigration
Visit our Ensemble Theater lobby to view Korean banners created by local immigrants. This art project aims to achieve immigrant and racial justice through storytelling and hands-on creation in ongoing monthly workshops in Albany Park. Click here to learn more.
Audio-Described and Touch Tour:
Sunday, October 8 at 3pm
(1:30pm touch tour, 3pm curtain)
Open-Captioned Public Performances:
Thursday, October 12 at 7:30pm
Saturday, October 21 at 3pm
ASL-Interpreted Public Performance:
Friday, October 13 at 7:30pm
Relaxed/Sensory Friendly Public Performance:
Saturday, October 28th at 3pm
ASL-Interpreted Student Matinee:
Friday, November 3 at 10am
Spanish Language-Captioned:
Saturday, November 4 at 3pm
SPONSORS
2023-24 STEPPENWOLF FOR YOUNG ADULTS SEASON SPONSORS
Accessibility Services sponsored by John Hart and Carol Prins.
Steppenwolf also acknowledges support from the Illinois Arts Council Agency.
This project is partially supported by a CityArts Grant from the City of Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs & Special Events.
Welcome to our Ensemble
Steppenwolf prides itself on being one of the premiere ensemble theaters in America. Being in an ensemble means being open to perspectives that differ from our own, being willing to allow multiple truths to exist and, perhaps most importantly, being open to change.
By visiting Steppenwolf, you agree to adhere to the theatre’s Patron Code of Conduct and Health and Safety Protocols.