Written by Christine Rose and directed by Donna King, Sanctuary intends to explore the power dynamics between two long-time besties, Cassie (Laura Shipler Chico) and Amelia (Andrea Milton-Furlotti), whose polarising political ideologies put their bond to the test. Cassie, a staunch Democrat who resents Trump’s misogyny and the systematic collapse of the country, has retreated to her “sanctuary basement” for safety. Meanwhile, Amelia, a stereotypical Republican woman with a seemingly picture-perfect family, initially dismisses Cassie’s worldview, but ultimately finds herself returning to the sanctuary after suffering a harrowing assault.
Rose’s writing seems to follow a consistent internal logic, but it often feels single faceted, making little difference if transcribed into a Twitter debate between a Democrat and a Republican more than a nuanced illustration of friendship. Despite the interwoven memories of their shared childhood, the duo come across as mouthpieces for the playwright’s ideological musings rather than fully fleshed-out individuals with their own personalities. While the play raises some valid points, such as the fascist nature of the country, their dialogues feel too archetypal and stereotyped.
Similarly, the final part of the play is indeed a shortcut to reforge the sisters’ already enduring friendship, and to facilitate Amelia’s “awakening”. However, such arrangement sacrifices the complexity of both characters and the narrative. By reducing them to hyper-symbolised figures within a charged but understated context, the play undermines its own thematic ambitions.
The actresses somehow mend up. Chico portrays a slightly alcoholic Cassie who uses her basement and cupboard storage to resist against the growing fascism and misogyny in the states. Contrastingly, Milton-Furlotti’s Amelia worries more about the wrinkles on her face than the real situation outside, delivers convincing transformation after herself confronts such harsh realities.
Mengyun Liu’s lighting design gently captures the sense of a basement sanctuary, externalising character emotional arc, and the contrasting colour tones successfully underscore Cassie and Amelia’s clash personalities and ideologies. It adds a more metaphorical transcendence to the show’s overall realistic set that features numerous details include plastic wine glasses, a warm carpet, bottled waters as well as canned food.
Sanctuary is an ambitious exploration of political and personal divides but often stumbles into oversimplification with its uneven narrative. As the full-length playscript is available at the box office, a more developed, well-considered production may shine better if fully brings the text to life.
