OCC Theatre's 'One More Day' Explores Human Cost of Bracero Movement

Orange Coast College’s theatre arts department will stage a play exploring the complexities of the Bracero Movement titled “One More Day” on March 18–20 and 24–26 in the College’s Drama Lab Theatre. Performances will take place at 7:30 p.m. each night.

The Bracero Program brought millions of Mexican guest workers to the United States between 1942 and 1964 to fill a gap left in the agriculture industry by soldiers fighting in World War II. “One More Day” will explore the human cost of the program, including the oppressive working conditions found at many farms and a series of devastating accidents that befell Mexican workers. The play also will delve into how the program helped many Mexican families find their way to a better life. “It’s not a black and white case, there are a lot of different perspectives and opinions on it,” says Director and Theater Arts Instructor Tom Bruno.

The script for “One More Day” came to the College last fall from playwright Michael Roddy. Bruno felt it was a play that would appeal to the students at OCC and the local community, and many of the student actors he cast are of Mexican American descent. “I think they’re really excited to be a part of something that’s exploring their culture and their past,” says Bruno.

For many students, the play offers background for the topic of illegal immigration, which currently is in the national spotlight. “We talk about it,” Bruno says. A post-show question and answer forum with playwright Roddy will be held after the show on Saturday, March 19.

Tickets run $10 for adults, and $8 for students. Advance sale tickets are available at the OCC Bursar’s Office at (714) 432-5880 or online at www.occtickets.com. Tickets also will be available at the door.