Sanctuary City

Framing the ridges and valleys of immigrant life in art and discussion
When
February 5, 2025, 4:00 to 5:00 pm
Where
Pillsbury Hall
Liberal Arts Engagement Hub (Room 120)

University of Minnesota
310 Pillsbury Dr SE
Minneapolis, MN 55455

Sanctuary City Poster by Frank Theater

Join us for "Sanctuary City: Framing the Ridges and Valleys of Immigrant Life in Art and Discussion", an engaging community event co-hosted by the U of MN Law School’s James H. Binger Center for New Americans and OnStage, a Twin Cities Theater Outreach program.

This interactive discussion, led by teaching artists Wendy Knox (director of Sanctuary City), Clay Man Soo (actor in Sanctuary City), and Harry Waters Jr., invites participants to delve into two selected scenes from Martyna Majok’s Pulitzer Prize-winning play Sanctuary City. Through the lens of these scenes, participants will explore themes of immigration, identity, and what it means to pursue the “American Dream.”

The event includes a reading of the scenes followed by a facilitated discussion tying the play’s themes to current events, personal experiences, and societal narratives. You can see the full production of Sanctuary City, staged by Frank Theatre at Open Eye Theatre from January 31 to February 23, 2025.

Sanctuary City Synopsis

Set in post-9/11 Newark, NJ, Sanctuary City tells the story of B and G, two teenagers brought to America as children. Bound by their shared struggles, they become each other’s sanctuary in a world of uncertainty. When G becomes naturalized, they hatch a plan to marry, enabling B to stay in the country legally. Yet, as complications arise, their relationship is tested in ways neither could foresee, raising questions about sacrifice, belonging, and resilience.

Sponsored by

OnStage

OnStage: Creating a Community Dialogue Around Live Theater is an innovative program that bridges the gap between live theater and broader audiences. Sponsored by Springboard for the Arts, OnStage uses theater as a tool to spark meaningful dialogue on ethical, civic, and cultural issues. The program collaborates with teaching artists to host in-class and community discussions, particularly engaging with younger and non-traditional theatergoers to build a more inclusive theater audience.

James H. Binger Center for New Americans

The James H. Binger Center for New Americans at the University of Minnesota Law School is a national leader in immigrant advocacy. Through interdisciplinary community partnerships, legal clinics, and educational programs, the Center tackles pressing legal, pedagogical and systemic challenges facing immigrants and advocates in the United States.

Contact
Binger Center for New Americans