Sanctuary: A Radio Play – Our Annual Thanksgiving Tradition Returns!

This Thanksgiving, Our Hen House proudly presents our beloved holiday tradition: “Sanctuary: A Radio Play.” First performed in 2017  at New York City’s Symphony Space during the Culture & Animals Foundation’s Compassion Arts Festival, this darkly comedic tale continues to resonate with anyone who has navigated vegan ethics around holiday dinner tables.

This episode explores:

• A retired couple’s relationship tested when one unexpectedly embraces veganism
• The hilarious and tense dynamics of planning a turkey-free Thanksgiving
• How compassionate choices can disrupt long-held traditions and relationships
• The challenges and triumphs of staying true to your values during the holidays

In this delightful performance, we follow Richard (John Frusciante) and Lisa (Mariann Sullivan), whose peaceful retirement in small-town Oregon is upended when Lisa goes vegan and befriends local animal activist Meg (Jasmin Singer). Desperate to maintain tradition, Richard enlists his friend Charley (Michael Harren), the town’s exterminator, creating a perfect storm of holiday chaos that will have you laughing while contemplating the deeper meaning of compassionate celebrations. (Featuring Emmy-winning sound design by Eric Milano.)

We are thrilled to expand the accessibility of our podcast by offering written transcripts of the interviews! Click here to read this episode's interview.

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Check out Our Hen House’s other podcasts: The Animal Law Podcast, The Teaching Jasmin How to Cook Vegan Podcast, and the Antiracism in Animal Advocacy Audio Series.

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The Our Hen House theme song is written and performed by Michael Harren.