Dobama Theatre Presents 'Sanctuary City' to Bridge Divides

The powerful story of two undocumented teenagers striving for a better future in Newark, New Jersey.

Apr. 13, 2026 at 1:09pm

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A conceptual illustration in the style of Saul Bass, featuring stark geometric shapes and silhouettes in high-contrast colors, representing the story of two undocumented teenagers navigating an uncertain future.Dobama Theatre's production of 'Sanctuary City' explores the high-stakes challenges faced by undocumented youth through an intimate, non-linear narrative.Cleveland Today

Dobama Theatre is set to present the play 'Sanctuary City,' a timely and relevant story that follows the lives of two undocumented teenagers in Newark, New Jersey as they form a pact to help each other find a future in the only country they've ever known. The play, written by Pulitzer Prize and Obie Award-winning playwright Martyna Majok, explores the challenges faced by undocumented youth and the high stakes they confront as they approach adulthood without a clear path forward.

Why it matters

The play's themes of immigration, national security, and the plight of undocumented youth are especially relevant in the current political climate, where immigration policy has become a divisive and heavily debated issue. Dobama Theatre hopes that by presenting this powerful narrative, they can spark meaningful conversations and bridge divides within the community.

The details

Sanctuary City is structured in two distinct parts, with the first half featuring a minimalist staging that reflects the characters' isolation, and the second half jumping forward in time with more elaborate lighting and sound design. The play's non-linear, cubist approach to storytelling is intended to keep the audience engaged and on their toes. Dobama's Full Circle Program is also partnering with local organizations that provide services and support for immigrant communities, who will participate in post-show talkbacks to discuss the play's themes.

  • Sanctuary City performances are scheduled from April 23 to May 17, 2026.
  • Evening performances begin at 7:30pm and matinees at 2:30pm.

The players

Nathan Motta

Dobama Theatre's artistic director and the director of the Sanctuary City production.

Martyna Majok

The Pulitzer Prize and Obie Award-winning playwright who wrote Sanctuary City.

Lloyd Wayne Taylor

The actor playing the role of B in Sanctuary City.

Diwe Augustin-Glave

The actor playing the role of G in Sanctuary City.

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What they’re saying

“We're always looking for shows that really speak to the moment and are relevant now.”

— Nathan Motta, Artistic Director, Dobama Theatre

“We want to find a way to respond to what's happening in the world... not just read the news, but process it together.”

— Nathan Motta, Artistic Director, Dobama Theatre

“They're very intimate friends... not romantic in a sexual way, but romantic in a 'this is my person' kind of way.”

— Nathan Motta, Artistic Director, Dobama Theatre

“The stakes are high. You don't know where you came from... that's not home to you. And you don't really have a path forward in this country. What do you do when everybody is moving on with their lives... and you're stuck?”

— Nathan Motta, Artistic Director, Dobama Theatre

“I think this [show] is for everybody. I hope people with different viewpoints come see the show... that's how we start conversations. When we care about the characters, we start to care about the real people facing the same things. I hope people are moved—to laugh, to cry, to sigh... to feel something.”

— Nathan Motta, Artistic Director, Dobama Theatre

What’s next

Dobama Theatre is encouraging the community to attend the Sanctuary City performances and participate in the post-show talkbacks with local organizations to continue the conversation around immigration and the challenges faced by undocumented youth.

The takeaway

Dobama Theatre's production of Sanctuary City aims to bridge divides and foster empathy by presenting a powerful narrative that humanizes the experiences of undocumented immigrants, particularly young people, and sparking meaningful dialogue within the community.