One Bright Day (play)

One Bright Day is a play by American playwright Lanford Wilson, first produced in 1979. The play explores themes of aging, familial relationships, the nature of truth, and the complexities of memory.

The story centers around Arthur Miller, a successful but elderly businessman who is recovering from a stroke. He is largely confined to his home and relies on the care of his devoted wife, Ellen. Arthur's cognitive abilities are diminishing, and his perception of reality becomes increasingly unreliable. As Arthur struggles with his declining health and mental state, the play examines the impact on his family, particularly Ellen, who grapples with the emotional and practical challenges of caring for him.

Through a series of scenes and interactions, the play delves into Arthur's past, revealing long-held secrets and unresolved conflicts within the family. These revelations challenge the audience's understanding of Arthur's character and the nature of the relationships he has maintained throughout his life. The play's title, One Bright Day, is often interpreted ironically, as the events unfold to reveal the shadows and complexities that lie beneath the surface of what might appear to be a happy or unremarkable existence. Wilson utilizes a non-linear narrative structure, blending Arthur's fragmented memories with the present-day realities of his condition, blurring the lines between past and present.