Lola Tung and Daniel Bravo Hernández will lead a benefit reading of 'Sanctuary City' at New York Theatre Workshop on October 9, supporting the nonprofit RAICES.
Lola Tung, star of The Summer I Turned Pretty, and Daniel Bravo Hernández, known for his role in Romeo + Juliet, will headline a benefit reading of Sanctuary City by Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Martyna Majok at New York Theatre Workshop on October 9. This event aims to raise funds for RAICES, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting immigrants and refugees seeking asylum in the U.S.
The reading will emphasize the play's pressing themes of immigration and justice in today’s sociopolitical climate. Sanctuary City centers around two immigrant teenagers in post-9/11 Newark, New Jersey, who become each other’s source of strength amidst societal challenges. This partnership with RAICES underlines the play's urgent narrative, making this event particularly impactful.
Produced in collaboration with Level Forward and Colt Coeur, the reading aims to amplify the vital discussions surrounding immigration rights and legal justice. The proceeds of the event will directly support RAICES' work in advocating for those affected by immigration policies, reflecting the narrative shared in Sanctuary City.
Majok has expressed her excitement about revisiting Sanctuary City in New York, emphasizing its relevance in contemporary conversations about immigrant rights. She describes the play as a "love letter to friendship and ambition," focusing on the dreams and struggles of working-class immigrants. As she noted, this production seeks to inspire awareness and advocacy for immigrant rights at a critical time in our national discourse.
Statements from Level Forward highlight their commitment to merging artistic expression with social justice advocacy. This reading serves as a call to action, urging artists and audiences to engage meaningfully with the immigrant experience, fostering a deeper understanding of the issues at hand.
Lola Tung gained widespread recognition through her lead role in Amazon Prime's The Summer I Turned Pretty and has also been featured on Broadway in Hadestown. Recently seen in the indie film Forbidden Fruits, she is involved in upcoming projects, including the film Please, directed by Halina Reijn. Her trajectory exhibits not only talent but also a commitment to multifaceted storytelling.
Daniel Bravo Hernández has made his mark in New York's theater scene, with notable performances in productions like Much Ado About Nothing and Spread. His participation in Sanctuary City is expected to further elevate his standing as a compelling actor in the theater community.
The reading of Sanctuary City stands as more than an artistic presentation; it symbolizes a commitment to shedding light on immigrant stories through the power of theater. This collaboration with RAICES demonstrates the initiative's dedication to honoring the play's themes while actively engaging in the vital dialogue surrounding immigration justice. Audiences encountering the characters' journeys are invited to reflect on their roles in advocating for immigration rights in a world that often overlooks these narratives. This benefit reading exemplifies a meaningful intersection of art and activism, aiming to enrich the cultural landscape.
What this means is that the upcoming reading serves not just as a performance but as a catalyst for important discussions on immigration rights, inspiring audiences to engage with these crucial issues in today's society. The intersection of the lives of these young characters within the framework of contemporary challenges reaffirms the necessity of advocacy through creative expression.
Entertainment news
EpisodeBreakdown may use automated tools to assist research, drafting, and formatting. Published pages are governed by our editorial and corrections policies, and source links are shown when they are available in the article record.
Discovery source: Variety. The source identifies where the topic was discovered; EpisodeBreakdown is responsible for the commentary published on this page.
Reader response
Reactions and poll results are based on real reader responses. No account is required.
