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.

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.

2.0 boxes and audio and video tapes

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.

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