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Guide to the Luís Valdez Papers
CEMA 71
CEMA 71
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Table of contents
Title: Luís Valdez Papers
Identifier/Call Number: CEMA 71
Contributing Institution:
University of California, Santa Barbara, Davidson Library, Department of Special Collections, California Ethnic and Multicultural
Archives
Language of Material:
English
Physical Description:
2.0 boxes
and audio and video tapes
Date (inclusive): 1984-1988
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 titled
Let's Go! in 1985, then edited and retitled
La 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.
creator:
Valdez, Luis
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-known
La 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.
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 to
La 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.
Other material in Special Collections: El Teatro Campesino Archives (CEMA 005)
Conditions Governing Access note
none
Copyright has not been assigned to the Department of Special Collections, UCSB. All requests for permission to publish or
quote from manuscripts must be submitted in writing to the Head of Special Collections. Permission for publication is given
on behalf of the Department of Special 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.
Luís Valdez Papers, CEMA 71, Department of Special Collections, University Library, University of California, Santa Barbara.