PCPA will present “Sanctuary City,” a timely drama by Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Martyna Majok, Feb. 27-March 16 at Severson Theatre in Santa Maria.

In a coming-of-age story, two teens forge a deep bond amid the complexities of immigration, identity, belonging and love. They find solace in each other while navigating the harsh realities of living in Newark, New Jersey, in 2001.

As their connection deepens, they grapple with the uncertainty of their futures, and what they are willing to risk for each other in the only country they’ve known as home.

“Majok’s poignant storytelling illuminates the sacrifices of DREAMers, lovers, and lifelong friends, weaving fractured time and memories in a play that transcends borders and genres,” PCPA said.

The play’s director Sara Rademacher notes: “Sanctuary: A sacred place, set apart from the ordinary world. A place that offers refuge, a chance to live with dignity.

“As I write this, only a few days into rehearsal, I feel the weight of this story and its extraordinary relevance to our times,” she said. “The headlines are relentless — policies shift, borders tighten, and humanity too often gets lost in the noise.

“This play sits in the dissonance between the complex systems that govern us and the simple, undeniable truth of human connection.

“At its core, ‘Sanctuary City’ reminds us that sanctuary is not just a physical space; it can also exist in the bond between two people. In the face of fear and uncertainty, the characters in this story find refuge in each other.

“As much as I’d like to offer an uplifting note, this story feels so deeply tied to the world we’re living in, and the weight of that can be overwhelming,” she said. “Luckily, that is exactly what theater is good at — holding space for complexity and allowing us to sit with these questions together.”

The show’s creative team includes Rademacher, costume designer Klara Wilson, scenic designer Anne McMeeking, lighting designer Cody Soper, lighting designer Jenna Agredano, sound designer Mimi Daniel, and stage manager Rebekah Carriere.

Cast members are Andrew Missael Banderas as B, Kiara Plaza as G, and Alexander Pimentel as Henry.

For tickets, visit pcpa.org or call the box office, 805-922-8313. Groups of 12 or more can save 25% to 30%.