About
“ÁNIMO was founded to create theatre productions to raise cultural awareness, celebrate diversity and promote inclusivity.”
ÁNIMO’s first play, El Bracero – A Mariachi Opera, opened at the Oxnard College Performing Arts Center. Written by Rosalinda Verde, directed by Miguel Orozco and featuring Mariachi Águilas de Oxnard de J. Carlos Ozuna, the story follows a young man who travels from México to the United States during the 1950s as part of the federal Bracero program. With classical mariachi music woven into the play, the plight of the Braceros and their contributions to the United States economy are heartwarmingly retold in an endearing story of sacrifice, love, and family. El Bracero has been staged in in Bakersfield, Los Angeles, Oxnard, Santa Barbara, Santa Paula, and Ventura.
Following the success of El Bracero, ÁNIMO produced ¡Ay Chihuahua! an original stage play written by Miguel Orozco. The musical is loosely based on Miguel’s family and takes place in México in the1960s. Following an unexpected tragedy, the lead character Poncho, leaves the city life and travels north to the U.S. On his journey he is introduced to Mexico’s beautiful and diverse cultures, its people, and music. Mariachi music is prominently featured as it artfully captures the characters’ emotions. ¡Ay Chihuahua! was inspired by the Broadway musical Oklahoma! and offers a little bit of everything for everyone - drama, romance, and amazing music by Mariachi Águílas.
Mariachi Girl, written by Roxanne Schroeder-Arce, was the third production for ÁNIMO. Directed Miguel Orozco with musical direction by Juan Carlos Ozuna, this coming-of-age bilingual musical was staged at Bakersfield, Los Angeles, Oxnard College, and the Marjorie Luke Theater in Santa Barbara. Family dynamics and cultural stereotypes are explored in a musical that’s entertaining for the whole family.
In 2019, ÁNIMO co-produced the award-winning short film MIXTECO BOY (aka MIXTECO KID) which will be adapted as a theatrical musical.
For fall 2023, ÁNIMO staged a new show, LOS BRACEROS de BUENA VISTA. Dedicated to the Braceros in Ventura County, CA who resided in the largest Bracero camp in the U.S.
El Bracero Cast and Crew
