The University of Portland Theater respectfully acknowledges that our space rests on the traditional village sites of the Multnomah, Wasco, Cowlitz, Kathlamet, Clackamas, Bands of Chinook, Tualatin, Kalapuya, Molalla and many other Tribes who made their homes along the Columbia (Wimahl) and Willamette (Whilamut) rivers. The Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians and the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde currently represent many of these tribes.
We give thanks to them; that we are here on their unceded lands and commit to treating their space as a living breathing entity that needs care and stewardship. We give thanks to this land as we continue to speak up for justice, a place in history, and a place in a future that demands to be better.
FROM THE DIRECTOR
I discovered Sanctuary City when my brother was doing a scene from the play at his university last year. As I was helping him prep, we read the play aloud together it was that day I knew this was the show I had to do for my capstone. The story of immigration, specifically undocumented immigration, is explored in a very caring and honest way in this play. I believe it's especially necessary to tell this story now, as we're in an election year where both Democrats and Republicans are leaning further and further into oppressive rhetoric and policy in regard to this subject.
Coming from an immigrant background myself, I must use the platform I have to remind us about the humanity in immigration. Through the art of theatre, I hope to be able to spark a newfound understanding, and in turn bring us all a little closer together. I invite you to join me on this journey.
- Ricardo Guevara
OCTOBER 24-26, 2024
UNIVERSITY OF PORTLAND THEATER PROGRAM
SANCTUARY CITY
SENIOR DIRECTING CAPSTONE
WRITTEN BY MARTYNA MAJOK
DIRECTED BY RICARDO GUEVARA*
*In partial fulfillment of the Senior Capstone for the BA in Theater
Theater Program Head
Gregory Pulver
Production Manager
Tyler Smith
Costume Studio Manager
Amanda Cardwell-Aiken
Stage Manager
Jenelle Josias
Assistant Stage Manager
AM Blank
Marketing Director
Emily Hogan
Theater Marketing Asst. Ricardo Guevara
Theater Photographer
Rowan Lowery
Setting:
Content Guidances
This story contains descriptions of domestic violence, homophobia, xenophobia, and profanity.
Cast
in alphabetical order
Ashwini
Chandrakanth, she/her (G), is a senior psychology major from Chicago, IL. This is her third production with UP, and she couldn’t be more excited to be part of this project. You may have seen her as Janet in The Last Train or as an Ensemble member in Bends. She is deeply grateful to her family and friends for their unwavering support. Above all, she hopes this production sheds light on the often invisible struggles faced by many immigrants in our society. Though the story is fictional, the stories it represents are very real. Enjoy the show and go vote!
Chase Keelin, he/him (B), is a senior theater major, excited to be involved in such an important project in Sanctuary City. While he has been involved in theater for the last two years, most of his projects involved music and dance. Now, he is excited to go out of his comfort zone with this production.
Riya Mathew, she/her (Understudy, G / Design Assistant), is a second-year Cell, Molecular, & Biomedical Science major with a Neuroscience minor on a pre-medical track from Beaverton, OR. She hopes to become a great neurosurgeon one day, but for now is super excited to help tell this moving story about immigration, love, and identity. Her most recent roles at UP included Peter/Boy in Peter and the Starcatcher, and Shelby in The Prom. Riya is very grateful for the wonderful opportunities she's had within UP's Theatre Department and would like to thank all of her friends and family for the
Haniel Morquecho Beltran De la Cruz, he/him (Henry). Meet Haniel, our vibrant Senior Elementary Education major who’s not just hitting the books but also dancing through life! With an endorsement in Special Education and a minor in Social and Emotional Learning, Haniel’s mission is to sprinkle a little extra kindness and understanding in the classroom. As a proud middle child, he’s mastered the art of negotiation in his
family, and as a gay first-generation college student, he’s breaking barriers and stereotypes with every performance. Born to parents from Zacatecas, Mexico, Haniel embodies the American dream. This theater enthusiast is ready to shine in his first production at the University of Portland. When not rehearsing, you can find Haniel dancing with friends, learning new things, and plotting how to make the world a better place. Get ready to be entertained and inspired by this dynamic individual who proves that education and theater can go hand in hand—just like a good punchline and a well-timed pause! And hey, if you enjoyed the show and want to support this rising star, feel free to send a little love via Venmo @hannies01. Every bit helps keep the dance moves alive and the dreams big!
Creative Team
in alphabetical order
Amber Rose Beeks, she/her (Costume Design). This is her second show doing costume design, previously she has designed for You Can See All The Stars. She is very excited for you to come and see this show! She hopes for you to come out of this feeling like you need to enact change.
AM Blank, any/all (Assistant Stage Manager), is a senior theatre major from Bellevue, Washington. Xe is excited to ASM for the first time with UP Theatre!
Prior to this production, xe worked as an AD/ASM/Marketing/Box Office on a small show called People in the Square, a musical cabaret show about Seattle's historic Pioneer Square. Loads of love to the cast and crew, enjoy the show!
Hilario Corral Flores, he/him (Lighting Design). I am a second year here at UP and this will be the 13th show I have worked on. But it's my first time fully Light Designing. I am very proud for everyone who is in the cast to have worked so hard. I am very proud for all the designers that I got to work with. I would like to thank Ricardo for giving me the opportunity to light design my first show. You are such a great director and I'm glad we got to work together.
Zoe Diao, she/her (Hair/Makeup Design), is a sophomore Biology and Theater double major from Las Vegas, NV. She is so excited to undertake her second UP production as crew and first production ever working on hair and makeup design. She has been in theatre since her freshman year of high school and has played roles such as Dee Dee Allen in The Prom and Maya in TBA. She hopes you enjoy the show immensely!
Ricardo Guevara, he/him (Director), Ricardo is an actor-director-playwright from Portland, OR, excited to be making his directorial debut with Sanctuary City. Recent directing credits include the short films Footsteps and Dad, Do You Dream of Me in Heaven?. Recent
playwriting credits include the plays Interview at a Hot Sauce Factory and Boba Shop Murder: Above My Paygrade. Recent acting credits include Mr. Hawkins in The Prom and Fin in TBA. He would like to thank his actors, designers, crew, faculty advisor Andy, and the entire theater department at UP for his support on this production. He dedicates this, as well as all of his work, to his late grandmother Blanca Estella Chavez Alcantara.
Jenelle Josias, she/her (Stage Manager). I've done a couple stage management roles, as ASM for Twelfth Night, Stage Manager for Peter and The Starcatcher. In tech I work as Light Board OP for Everybody.
Rowan Lowery, he/him (Sound Design), is a Sophomore Arts Admin/Theater major with a passion for the performing arts. Last year he mixed our spring musical The Prom, and has enjoyed working to sound design Sanctuary City this Fall. In his free time Rowan finds joy taking photos of nature, rock climbing, and spending time with his friends.
Lilly Grey Rudge, she/her (Dramaturg), is a writer, dramaturg and communications professional originally from Seattle, WA. She is honored to have supported in the important conversations and discoveries which occurred within the Sanctuary City rehearsal room, and would like to thank Ricardo for bringing her into this amazing experience, and the company for embracing the tenets of “Dramaturg-We.”
