Jaime Gomez Teatro Cometa Collection, 1972-2006, bulk 1988-1994

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Summary

Creators:
Gomez, Jaime
Abstract:
Jaime Gomez was a founding member of the grassroots Chicano theater group Teatro Cometa. Founded in 1979, the troupe was active throughout 1980s in and around Fullerton, California. Embodying the concept of "Rasquachismo," the group endeavored to use their art to educate people about significant issues within their community. Their work incorporated topics such as gang violence and immigration, including issues facing undocumented workers. This collection contains Mr. Gomez' papers, posters, photographs, and newspaper clippings.
Extent:
5.89 linear feet
Language:
English, Spanish; Castilian
Preferred citation:

For information about citing items in this collection consult the appropriate style manual, or see the Citing Archival Materialsguide.

Background

Scope and content:

The Jaime Gomez Teatro Cometa Collection consists of materials related to the professional and personal life of Jaime Gomez, including the production, performances, and publicity of the grassroots Chicano theater group TeatroCometa, active in and around Fullerton, California throughout the 1980s. Embodying "Rasquachismo," Teatro Cometa attempted to use their art to educate people regarding significant issues within their community. The collection has been organized into seven series: Personal Papers (1974-2005), Administrative Records (1974-2001), Plays and Films (1988-2004), Poetry, Essays, Short Stories, Music and Lyrics (1980-2005), Research Files (1977-2006), Other Groups and Performances (1972-2003), and Activism (1974-1996).

Series I, Personal Papers, consists primarily of biographical material and is arranged alphabetically.

Series II, Administrative Records, consists of materials relating to the administration of Teatro Cometa and is arranged alphabetically.

Series III, Plays and Films, consists of scripts, drafts, and other materials relating to Teatro Cometa performances and is arranged alphabetically.

Series IV, Poetry, Essays, Short Stories, Music and Lyrics, consists of writings not necessarily associated with Teatro Cometa performances and is arranged alphabetically.

Series V, Research Files, consists of notes and other research material used by Mr. Gomez to write and plan the troupe's shows.

Series VI, Other Groups and Performances, consists of scripts, drafts, and materials relating to performances by groups other than Teatro Cometa and is arranged alphabetically.

Series VII, Activism, consists of material associated with Teatro Cometa's attempts to bring issues of interest to their primary audience to the fore. This series is made up entirely of posters and is arranged alphabetically by topic.

Biographical / historical:

Born in Mexicali on September 11, 1954 Mr. Jaime Armando Gomez grew up in Fullerton and attended Fullerton College, graduating in 1980. He graduated from California State University at Fullerton in 1982. Mr. Gomez joined Teatro Espiritu de Aztlan in Fullerton in 1974 and toured with the troupe for two years before touring Mexico with Mascarones. In 1991 Teatro Cometa founded a community playhouse in downtown Fullerton.

Mr. Gomez is a playwright, actor, director, instructor, and musician.

Acquisition information:
Jamie Gomez, 3/26/2007.
Processing information:

Holli Teltoe, Jacqueline Zak, Maria Bonilla, Fran Griffin, 2010

Arrangement:

Series I: Personal Papers, 1974-2005

Series II: Administrative Records, 1974-2001

Series III: Plays and Films, 1988-2004

Series IV: Poetry, Essays, Short Stories, Music and Lyrics, 1980-2005

Series V: Research Files, 1977-2006

Series VI: Other Groups and Performances, 1972-2003

Series VII: Activism, 1974-1996

Indexed terms

Subjects:
Documents
Photographs

Access and use

Restrictions:

The collection is open for research use.

Terms of access:

Copyright for unpublished materials authored or otherwise produced by the creator(s) of this collection has not been transferred to California State University, Northridge. Copyright status for other materials is unknown. Transmission or reproduction of materials protected by U.S. Copyright Law (Title 17, U.S.C.) beyond that allowed by fair use requires the written permission of the copyright owners. Works not in the public domain cannot be commercially exploited without permission of the copyright owners. Responsibility for any use rests exclusively with the user.

Preferred citation:

For information about citing items in this collection consult the appropriate style manual, or see the Citing Archival Materialsguide.

Location of this collection:
18111 Nordhoff Street
Northridge, CA 91330, US
Contact:
(818) 677-4594
Website