Presented by the Lewis Center for the Arts’ Program in Theater & Music Theater
Safe Harbor by Dominic Dominguez ’25
Run Time
Approximately 2 hours, with no intermission
Program Note
Safe Harbor is an interactive play, and audience members are encouraged to participate to gain the fullest experience of the piece. However, for those who do not wish to participate, seating will be available to observe. For participating audience members this show will involve standing for long periods, reading printed information, and possibly using steps or a ramp. Participating audience members are free to sit on the floor instead of standing if that is more comfortable. Participating audience members who may have a challenge with any of the activities can connect with one of the stage managers, who will be clearly identified, for alternate methods of participating in that activity, such as requesting a chair, assistance navigating the space, or help reading text.
Special Note
No flash photography or audio/video recording permitted. Please silence all electronic devices including cellular phones and watches, and refrain from text messaging for the duration of the performance.
Content Advisory
The production contains violence and discussion of suicide; mentions of homophobia, forced marriage; and possible use of darkness or flashing lights. This production incorporates audience interaction and movement on the part of audience members.
Cast
Father: Gabe Higbee ’26
Rebel Leader: Renad Osman ’27
Mother/Outsider/Lawyer: Jenna Mullin ’27*
Gatekeeper “JD”: Kaitlyn Donato ’27
Bureaucrat/Medical Expert: Hassan Kahn ’27
Missionary “JA”/Patient “TK”: Whitney Njogu ’27
Nurse “RN”: Sophia Raes ’28*
Orientation Leader “BB”: Avi Chesler ’25*
Spiritual Leader XE: Kate Stewart ’25*
Mr. Abomination: Joseph Kim Sexton ’26
Musicians
Piano: Jeffery Chen ’25*
Drums: Harit Raghunathan ’25
Production Team
Writer/Director: Dominic Dominguez ’25*
Producer: Lev Ricanati ’25*
Choreographer: Kate Stewart ’25*
Set Designer: Dane Utley ’26
Costume Designer: Sophia Vernon ’27*
Lighting Designer: Dane Utley ’26
Sound Designer: Kristen Tan ’26*
Projection Designer: Dominic Dominguez ’25*
Stage Manager: Mary Grace Walker ’27
Assistant Stage Manager: Kéllia Gatete ’26
Assistant Stage Manager: Rowan Johnson ’27*
Digital Artist: Hannah Mittleman ’25
SM Mentor: Ash Jackson ’26*
Special Contributor: Olivia Williams ’25
Special Contributor: Ron Shvartsman ’25
Special Contributor: Ceci McWilliams ’26
Special Contributor: Sahaf Chowdhury ’26*
*denotes a student minoring in the Program in Theater & Music Theater
Faculty Advisor
Note from the Project Proposer
Throughout this process I have been thinking about the possible impact art and media can have on the people who experience it. I am hoping my piece will make people feel more empowered, question political rhetoric, and reflect on the effects that authority and social pressures have on their moral decision making. In truth, I do not know how (or if) this piece will affect any audience member in the long run, but the process of bringing this to life has been extremely impactful on me. And I couldn’t have done it without an incredible, hard-working, and passionate team of individuals with their own visions and talents. I am endlessly grateful for everyone who has helped birth this piece and cannot wait for you to see their hard work. Enjoy the show and come talk to me afterwards if you like it. Politely applaud, smile, and then complain in the car on the way home if you do not.
—Dominic Dominguez ’25
Land Acknowledgement
An estimated 10 million Native Americans lived in North America before the arrival of European colonizers. Many thousands lived in Lenapehoking, the vast homeland of the Lenni-Lenape, who were the first inhabitants of what is now called eastern Pennsylvania and parts of New York, New Jersey, Maryland, and Delaware.
Princeton stands on part of the ancient homeland and traditional territory of the Lenape people. In 1756, the College of New Jersey erected Nassau Hall with no recorded consultation with the Lenni-Lenape peoples.
Treaties and forced relocation dispersed Lenape-Delaware to Ohio, Kansas, and Oklahoma. We acknowledge the violence of settler colonialism and pay respect to Lenape peoples past, present, and future and their continuing presence in the homeland and throughout the Lenape diaspora.
For more information, see the websites of the Native American and Indigenous Studies Initiative at Princeton (NAISIP), Natives at Princeton and Princeton Indigenous Advocacy Coalition.
Lewis Center for the Arts
Chair: Judith Hamera
Executive Director: Marion Friedman Young
Director of Program in Theater and Music Theater: Jane Cox
View a list of Program in Theater & Music Theater faculty & guest artists
For a look at all the people working behind the scenes to bring you this event, view a list of LCA staff members.
The programs of the Peter B. Lewis Center for the Arts are made possible through the generous support of many alumni and other donors. View a list of LCA Supporters
