Sanctuary is based on the true story of local opposition to an AIDs hospice in an isolated Suffolk village in the 1990s. Yet Jacob Sparrow writes not to moralise the ignorant in his heartfelt debut; instead he shines a light on people trying their best.
Michael (Matthew Tennyson) waits for a Parish council decision which will decide whether he can continue to seek refuge at Wendy’s home, the well-meaning founder of this slightly slap-dash hospice. An older man (Richard Cant), who claims to be “like him” listens to Michael recount his past and present.
The play is speckled with delightful humour that pokes fun at the hysteria of the sheltered residents of deepest darkest Suffolk (can cows get AIDS?). At the same time Sanctuary explores the psychological effects of feeling the repulsion of others. The theme is treated with nuance, as even the kind Wendy dares not make contact with Michael. Homophobia is not black and white in Sanctuary, but the product of not knowing queerness. Tennyson gorgeously depicts the forming of tentative connection through dancing, a consistent trope in the play. Dancing is the true sanctuary for both men who take us round the hospice living room and the sticky floors of Heaven nightclub. It is through dancing that Michael is able to reconcile with those that initially flinch at his touch.
At times, the performance’s emotional intensity became strained and slightly choppy. Michael introduces a character from his life, a cruel ex lover or sheltered country bumpkin; the anecdote is initially told fondly but as the memories turn sour the story ends with Michel screaming at his own loneliness. Whilst initially powerful, once repeated, this format somewhat dimmed the vivid colouring of each character which is painted so beautifully into the script.
Cant’s illusive character emerges out the woodwork at the play’s close, delivering an exquisitely joyful performance which evoked audible sighs from the audience. Loneliness is not terminal in Sanctuary, a trope that is so often enforced on queer art, the play is abundant with evidence of human connection, though Michael may not initially see it.
Sanctuary is running until 31 August at Ace Dome, Pleasance Dome. Buy tickets here.
Image provided by Leodis for press use.
