The immigration debate hits the big stage. Borderlands Theater presents "No Roosters in the Desert." The play is the story of four women crossing the desert in search of the American dream. But, their journey takes them to places they never thought existed.

The play is based on 130 interviews of women migrants. Dr. Anna Ochoa O'Leary a professor from the University of Arizona's department of Mexican American and Raza studies, researches women border crossers. O'Leary says, "You know often times we look at migrants in terms of the numbers, the demographics, the politics, but never really at any of the stories that behind the reason migrants migrate."

Anel Schmidt one of the actress's from the production says she wants the audience to leave with more than just a ticket stub. Schmidt says, "I really enjoyed working on this play because is has a lot of passion and heart. And as an actress I like for the audience to leave with something to think about."

The interview on women border crossers gives a fresh look to immigration issues and help put a face to people who cross the border. Theatergoer, Kathleen Stoeser, says she was very moved by the struggles these women faced and was able to relate. Stoeser says, "I would do it if my boys, I have two boys if they were starving I would do whatever it took to feed to find opportunities for them."

"No Roosters in the Desert" will show in Mexico City as well as Chicago. For more information on the production visit w-w-w- dot borderlands theater dot o-r-g.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XKTfBtMdIK4