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Sanctuary

Tom Casling

Genre: Drama

Cast size: 8

Duration: 50 mins approx

Tom Casling | Drama | One Act | 5m, 3f

Short synopsis

Sanctuary [noun] /ˈsaŋ(k)tjʊəri/ : refuge or safety from pursuit, persecution, or other danger. The play explores this by creating a situation based partly on fact and partly on fiction. The plot is simply that a man is about to be deported. He has exhausted all the possible legal options to remain in the country, and, these having failed, he seeks refuge in his local church claiming sanctuary.

The play deals with the issue of sanctuary - a place of safety.  It does this bey creating a situation based partly on face and partly on fiction.  The plot is simply that a man is about to be deported.  He has exhausted all the possible legal options to remain in the country and when these fail he seeks refuge in his local church claiming sanctuary. 

The play considers the legal aspects of this both historically, and in terms of today. It addresses the relationship between civil and church law.  It looks at how individuals, and the community, can provide support or condemnation perhaps coloured by their own experiences and media hype. The play also touches on our own private and public thoughts which can be influenced by the situations we find ourselves in and or the people we find ourselves with.

Requires a minimum of 8 actors, although the ages are not too important with the exception of a 12 year old child. Doubling is suggested to keep cast small as is the need for numerous locations.  This play has been performed many times at Festivals and in local church and parish settings.

(5m, 3f)

  • Father Ryan - the priest
  • John Lee - the asylum seeker
  • Male 1 - Cedric (doubles as TV presenter and parishioner)
  • Female 1 - Susie (doubles as TV presenter and parishioner)
  • Male 2 - bishop (doubles as policeman and parishioner)
  • Female 2 - civil servant (doubles as parishioner and policewoman)
  • Male 3 - Richard Stalwart (doubles as parishioner)
  • Female 3 - Denise Lee (doubles as old lady and parishioner)
  • Rachel - 12 (or Voice off)
Type
Free

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Sanctuary

Free
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All our musicals are included in our perusal service. Through this, representatives of producing organisations can request a USB Stick of perusal material  which comprise the script/libretto and piano/vocal score as PDF files; a Cast (or Studio) Recording as MP3 files and (where available) an MP4 file video of either the premiere production or of a subsequent production.

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