Guide to the Luís Valdez papers CEMA 71

Finding aid prepared by Callie Bowdish and Mari Khasmanyan.
UC Santa Barbara Library, Department of Special Research Collections
University of California, Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara 93106-9010
Business Number: Phone: (805) 893-3062
Fax Number: Fax: (805) 893-5749
special@library.ucsb.edu


Title: Luís Valdez papers
Identifier/Call Number: CEMA 71
Language of Material: English.
Contributing Institution: UC Santa Barbara Library, Department of Special Research Collections
Physical Description: 1 Linear Feet (2 boxes, plus audiotapes and videotapes)
Creator: Valdez, Luis
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.
Physical Location: Special Research Collections, UC Santa Barbara Library

Access Restrictions

The collection is open for research.

Use Restrictions

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 note

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

Biographical Note

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.

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 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.

Related Collections

Other material in Special Collections: El Teatro Campesino Archives (CEMA 005)

 

Series I Scripts 1985-1986

box 1, folder 1

Let's Go! Screenplay Treatment Narrative Version June 24, 1985

box 1, folder 8

Let's Go! Screenplay First Draft September 3, 1985

box 1, folder 2

Let's Go! Screenplay First Draft October 4, 1985

box 1, folder 3

La Bamba! Screenplay Second Draft December 6, 1985

box 1, folder 4

La Bamba! Screenplay Second Draft April 28, 1986

box 1, folder 6

La Bamba! Screenplay Second Draft May 28, 1986

box 1, folder 5

La Bamba! Screenplay Second Draft May 28, 1986- June 6, 1986

box 1, folder 7

La Bamba! Screenplay Third Draft July 21, 1986

 

Series II Lectures 1984-1988

box 2, folder 1

Lecture Transcripts October-November 1984

box 2, folder 2

"An Evening with Luis Valdez: The Evolution of an American Original" January 15, 1988

 

Series III Slides

box 2, folder 3-4

Slides- Luis and Lupe Valdez's Wedding

 

Series IV Photographs

box 2, folder 5

Photos- Chicano Youth

General

Folder contains photographs taken by Ricardo Ponce and D. Mendez.
box 2, folder 6

Photos- Miscellaneous

 

Series V Audio Recordings 1984-1988 and undated

reel A18880/R7

Luis Valdez (Reel 1 of 2)

General

Valdez Lecture: "An Evening with Luis Valdez: The Evolution of an American Original."
reel A18881/R7

Luis Valdez (Reel 2 of 2)

General

Valdez Lecture: "An Evening with Luis Valdez: The Evolution of an American Original."
item A18882/CS

Luis Valdez (Tape 1 of 6) October 23, 1984

General

Luis Valdez Lecture Tapes
item A18883/CS

Luis Valdez (Tape 2 of 6) October 24, 1984

General

Luis Valdez Lecture Tapes. Side 2 : 10/25/1984
item A18884/CS

Luis Valdez (Tape 3 of 6) October 25, 1984

General

Luis Valdez Lecture Tapes. Side 2 : 10/26/1984
item A18885/CS

Luis Valdez (Tape 4 of 6) Ocotber 29, 1984

General

Luis Valdez Lecture Tapes. Side 2 : 10/31/1984
item A18886/CS

Luis Valdez (Tape 5 of 6) November 1, 1984

General

Luis Valdez Lecture Tapes. Side 2 : Luis Valdez answering questions.
item A18887/CS

Luis Valdez (Tape 6 of 6) November 2, 1984

General

Luis Valdez Lecture Tapes
item A18888/CS

Luis Valdez : Special Lecture November 2, 1984

General

Luis Valdez Lecture Tapes
item A18889/CS

To be Transcribed (Tape 1 of 3) January 15, 1988

General

Valdez Lecture: "An Evening with Luis Valdez: The Evolution of an American Original."
item A18890/CS

To be Transcribed (Tape 2 of 3) January 15, 1988

General

Valdez Lecture "An Evening with Luis Valdez: The Evolution of an American Original."
item A18891/CS

To be Transcribed (Tape 3 of 3) January 15, 1988

General

Valdez Lecture "An Evening with Luis Valdez: The Evolution of an American Original."
item V4373/UM

La Bamba The Movie, A Rock n' Roll Legend Copy 1 1987

General

Producer: Mimi Granados. Original Format U-matic
item V4374/UM

La Bamba The Movie, A Rock n' Roll Legend Copy 2 1987

General

Producer: Mimi Granados. Original Format U-matic