Luís Valdez papers, 1984-1988

Collection context

Summary

Creators:
Valdez, Luis
Abstract:
The Luís Valdez Papers cover some of his significant accomplishments as a sceenwriter. Included are two editions of a screenplay about the life of Ritchie Valens, originally titledLet's Go! in 1985, then edited and retitledLa Bamba! in 1986. The vast majority of his papers have not yet been housed here as they remain in his possession for the time being. Various other files are also included, such as lecture transcripts and slides of his personal life. This collection also contains photos of Chicano youth and other miscellaneous photographs, also included are taped audio recordings of Luís Valdez.
Extent:
1 Linear Feet (2 boxes, plus audiotapes and videotapes)
Language:
English.
Preferred citation:

[Identification of Item], Luís Valdez Papers, CEMA 71. Department of Special Research Collections, University Library, University of California, Santa Barbara.

Background

Scope and content:

Series I Scripts, 1985-1986

This series housed in boxes 1 and 2 include copies of drafts of the script Let's Go (later edited toLa Bamba!)

Series II Lectures, 1984-1988

This series contains various lecture transcripts and a copy of his University of California, Santa Barbara lecture in 1988 entitled, "An Evening with Luis Valdez: The Evolution of an American Original." These are housed in document box 2.

Series III Slides

This series contains slides of Luis and Lupe Valdez's wedding located in document box 2.

Series IV Photographs

Series three contains photographs of Chicano youth and other miscellaneous photos. Stored in document box 2.

Series V Audio Recordings, 1984-1988

This series contains several cassettes and reels of Valdez being interviewed.

Biographical / historical:

Luis Valdez, born on June 26, 1940 in Delano, California is a well-noted playwright and director, generally regarded as the father of Chicano literature and theatre. The son of migrant workers, Valdez became a champion of the United Farm Workers through his leadership as artistic director of El Teatro Campesino, otherwise known as The Farmworkers' Theatre. Valdez's experience in writing came from his education at San Jose State University, where he wrote his first play, and graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in English in 1964. Valdez reached fame through his scripts and productions focusing on Chicano history, including the well-knownLa Bamba (1987) and Zoot Suit (1978). Both were later adapted into films under his direction. Valdez continues to this day to work as playwright and producer, as well as mentor and teacher to artists of all ages.

Physical location:
Special Research Collections, UC Santa Barbara Library
Rules or conventions:
Describing Archives: A Content Standard

Access and use

Restrictions:

The collection is open for research.

Terms of access:

Copyright has not been assigned to the Department of Special Research Collections, UCSB. All requests for permission to publish or quote from manuscripts must be submitted in writing to the Head of Special Research Collections. Permission for publication is given on behalf of the Department of Special Research Collections as the owner of the physical items and is not intended to include or imply permission of the copyright holder, which also must be obtained.

Preferred citation:

[Identification of Item], Luís Valdez Papers, CEMA 71. Department of Special Research Collections, University Library, University of California, Santa Barbara.

Location of this collection:
UC Santa Barbara Library
Santa Barbara, CA 93106-9010, US
Contact:
(805) 893-3062