About Sanctuary
Sanctuary is a dark dystopian thriller set during a new American civil war. Sanctuary tells the story of two women taking refuge in a suburban basement while radicalized militiamen roam their neighborhood. Tensions build as their deeply-held political beliefs, personal traumas, and the stress of the situation push their relationships to the brink. The women, who once shared a close bond, now find themselves divided as their differing perspectives clash. As danger looms closer and violence erupts outside, they must navigate both the external threats and the fractures within their friendship to survive the night.
The piece plays out the deep divide throughout America, especially in light of the 2024 presidential election.
CW: Please note that the script contains a sexual assault and political violence/threat that takes place offstage. The script also makes references to eating disorders, mental health conditions, racism, domestic violence, and child abuse.
If you are interested in representing Christine or producing/investing in this production, please get in touch to let us know or request the script.
The original is a full-length play that runs 100-120 min; however, there are also two one-act versions for fringe venues—one with two onstage actors and the other with the original three actors.
Cast :: four actors— two or three middle-aged women (one-act or full-length, respectively); one man for offstages voices.
Set :: couch, side table, floor lamp, window frame, (for full-length) sturdy table, and window that opens to offstage
Runtime :: (approximates) one-act with two actors, 60-70 min; one-act with three actors, 60-80 min; full length 100-120 min.
A truncated version of the one-act adaptation with two actors premiered at The Hope Theatre in London for a near sold-out run :: 26-30 November 2024. It received mixed reviews, in part due to some production challenges.
Follow on Instagram and #SanctuaryPlay for behind-the-scenes content and updates.
Praise for Sanctuary’s Run at The Hope Theatre
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Powerful and honest…this play was humbling, at times scary but full of depth.” ~London Fringe Theatre Reviews
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Sanctuary explores the powers of friendship, the will of survival, and how today’s world has changed, whether that be for the better or worse. It’s a gripping and thought-provoking concept.” ~Theatre & Tonic
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Both actors had good comic timing and characterised their differences through contrasting body language…” ~Green Room Reviews (Christine’s Interview)
Audience Reactions
“The play is moving and meaningful – never seen anything so ‘current’”
“I was captivated the entire time and really believed both characters”
“It was a thought-provoking show. It pulled you in from the start and kept you engaged throughout!”
“The play was well-written, emotive, funny, poignant”
“It was the best thing I’ve seen in a while.”
“Fearless and compelling – it’s the gut punch theater needs right now.”
“Incredible piece, especially if anyone really wants to understand the actual state of things at the moment over there…and what possibly could come”
“It was a thought-provoking show. It pulled you in from the start and kept you engaged throughout.”
Christine Rose 