Guide to the Luís Valdez Papers
CEMA 71
Finding aid prepared by Callie Bowdish and Mari Khasmanyan
University of California, Santa Barbara, Davidson Library, Department of Special Collections, California Ethnic and Multicultural
Archives
Santa Barbara, California, 93106-9010
(805) 893-8563
cema@library.ucsb.edu
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.
Location note: Del Norte.
creator:
Valdez, Luis
Biographical/Historical 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.
Series Description
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)
Conditions Governing Access note
none
Conditions Governing Use note
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.
Preferred Citation note
Luís Valdez Papers, CEMA 71, Department of Special Collections, University Library, University of California, Santa Barbara.
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
Box 2, Folder 3-4
Slides- Luis and Lupe Valdez's Wedding
Box 2, Folder 5
Photos- Chicano Youth
General note
Folder contains photographs taken by Ricardo Ponce and D. Mendez.
Series V Audio Recordings
1984-1988 and undated
Reel A18880/R7
Luis Valdez (Reel 1 of 2)
General note
Valdez Lecture: "An Evening with Luis Valdez: The Evolution of an American Original."
Reel A18881/R7
Luis Valdez (Reel 2 of 2)
General note
Valdez Lecture: "An Evening with Luis Valdez: The Evolution of an American Original."
Cassette A18882/CS
Luis Valdez (Tape 1 of 6)
October 23, 1984
General note
Luis Valdez Lecture Tapes
Cassette A18883/CS
Luis Valdez (Tape 2 of 6)
October 24, 1984
General note
Luis Valdez Lecture Tapes. Side 2 : 10/25/1984
Cassette A18884/CS
Luis Valdez (Tape 3 of 6)
October 25, 1984
General note
Luis Valdez Lecture Tapes. Side 2 : 10/26/1984
Cassette A18885/CS
Luis Valdez (Tape 4 of 6)
Ocotber 29, 1984
General note
Luis Valdez Lecture Tapes. Side 2 : 10/31/1984
Cassette A18886/CS
Luis Valdez (Tape 5 of 6)
November 1, 1984
General note
Luis Valdez Lecture Tapes. Side 2 : Luis Valdez answering questions.
Cassette A18887/CS
Luis Valdez (Tape 6 of 6)
November 2, 1984
General note
Luis Valdez Lecture Tapes
Cassette A18888/CS
Luis Valdez : Special Lecture
November 2, 1984
General note
Luis Valdez Lecture Tapes
Cassette A18889/CS
To be Transcribed (Tape 1 of 3)
January 15, 1988
General note
Valdez Lecture: "An Evening with Luis Valdez: The Evolution of an American Original."
Cassette A18890/CS
To be Transcribed (Tape 2 of 3)
January 15, 1988
General note
Valdez Lecture "An Evening with Luis Valdez: The Evolution of an American Original."
Cassette A18891/CS
To be Transcribed (Tape 3 of 3)
January 15, 1988
General note
Valdez Lecture "An Evening with Luis Valdez: The Evolution of an American Original."
Cassette V4373/UM
La Bamba The Movie, A Rock n' Roll Legend Copy 1
1987
General note
Producer: Mimi Granados. Original Format U-matic
Cassette V4374/UM
La Bamba The Movie, A Rock n' Roll Legend Copy 2
1987
General note
Producer: Mimi Granados. Original Format U-matic
