Digital Archives
The archives of El Teatro Campesino are the largest archival collection on Chicano theater, consisting of approximately 157 linear feet of archives and manuscripts. They include a variety of formats, dating from the Teatro’s founding in 1965. They include primary materials for researchers with an interest in theater arts, cultural arts, history, political science, labor relations, ethnic studies, sociology, anthropology, and women’s studies. Most materials are in English; some are in Spanish or a combination of the two languages. At least eight other languages are represented, an indication of the international interest in the Teatro.
Background
The Teatro Campesino Archives represents over twenty years of this theater company’s activities through 1988. The organization continues to the present. It is the country’s most influential Latino theater group and one which has made major contributions to Chicano culture in the United States and to the development and expansion of the boundaries of theater everywhere.
CHICANO POWER HOUR
I Am Joaquin, 1969
1969
19:27 min
“I Am Joaquin” Hollywood, California: Consolidated Film Industries undated
Short film documenting the history of Chicanos through photographs and the poem by Rodolfo Corky Gonzalez, “I Am Joaquin.”
Produced by El Teatro Campesino. Narrated by Luis Valdez. Music by Daniel Valdez. Photos by George Ballis. Hollywood, California: Consolidated Film Industries
Keywords: Rodolfo Corky Gonzalez, Chicano History, Luis Valdez, George Ballis, Daniel Valdez, El Teatro Campesino
Acto:“The Militants,” 1969
1969
8:11 min
In this early acto, one chicano was invited to speak at a lecture. Two show up. They both try to out Chicano the other.
Actors: Manuel Pickett, Jesus Avila II, Phil Esparza
Sound: Day Hemenez
Camera & Editing: George Ballis
Written & Directed by Luis Valdez
Keywords: The Militants, Luis Valdez, Manuel Pickett, Jesus Avila II, Phil Esparza, Acto
Interviews with Luis Valdez
1972
10:10 min
Interview cuts of Luis Valdez speaking about the uses of Teatro: political, cultural, spiritual. Includes segments of “La Gran Carpa de los Rasquachis” performed live.
Keywords: Luis Valdez, La Gran Carpa de los Rasquachis
Watch Video
“Luis Valdez Interview At San Juan And Tenaz: Chicago Y Topos”
1973
13:01 min
Luis Valdez speaks about the evolution of content and style during the festival de los teatros. Reflections on the roots of “teatro” and how it differs from other theatre.
Keywords: Luis Valdez, San Juan And Tenaz: Chicago Y Topos
Catch 2 TV Program (Denver) “Los Actos,” 1976
1976
26 min
Television program hosted by Leticia Ponce with interviews of Phil Esparza, Diane Rodriguez, and Jose Delgado while in Denver, Colorado. Discussion topics include: the campesino audience, the symbol of death, and la familia aspect of teatro. Musical Segment with Noe Montoya, Luis Oropeza, David Silva, Rick “Boogie” Espinoza
Denver KWGN, Ch. 2
Keywords: Phil Esparza, Diane Rodiguez, Jose Delgado, Noe Montoya, Luis Oropeza, David Silva, Silva, Rick “Boogie” Espinoza
Nine AM TV Show (Monterey) Part I, 1980
1980
29 min
Interview with Luis Valdez by Lillian Rojas. Valdez talks about his background as a migrant farmworker family and the impetus to create a theatre company of, by, and for farmworkers.
KMST Nine Am Show, Part I Monterey: KMST, Ch. 46 March 26, 1980
Keywords: Luis Valdez, Migrant, Lillian Rojas, Farmworker
Watch Video
Chicano Perspective TV Show
1983
30 min
Interview by Pilar Montoya with Luis Valdez; film footage from “La Huelga” period — Luis and Daniel Valdez perform, “Zoot Suit” footage. (3) Audience reaction of “Corridos” (San Francisco); cast of “Corridos” talk, they are: Robert Beltran, Leticia Ibarra, Bel Hernandez, Richard Montoya, Irma La CuiCui Rangel.
Sacramento, KXTV, Ch. 10 June 22, 1983
Keywords: Luis Valdez, Robert Beltran, Leticia Ibarra, Bel Hernandez, Richard Montoya, Irma La CuiCui Rangel.
Nine AM TV Show (Monterey) Part III
1980
29 min
(1) Lillian Rojas interviews Luis Valdez, Olivia Chumacero, Phil Esparza; Olivia talks about ETC’s educational work with Migrant Children’s Workshops; talks about the future plan of ETC (why SJB); Luis Valdez talks of “Pensamiento Serpentino.” (2) Edward Gruskin joins interview; talks about “Zoot Suit,” cinematic technique used for theater, the playhouse; Gruskin speaks about audience attendance to San Juan Bautista.
Monterey: KMST, Ch. 46 March 28, 1980
Keywords: Pensamiento Serpentino, Zoot Suit, Luis Valdez, Olivia Chumacero, Phil Esparza, Edward Gruskin.
Nine AM TV Show (Monterey) Part I, 1980
1980
29 min
Interview with Luis Valdez by Lillian Rojas. Valdez talks about his background as a migrant farmworker family and the impetus to create a theatre company of, by, and for farmworkers.
KMST Nine Am Show, Part I Monterey: KMST, Ch. 46 March 26, 1980
Keywords: Luis Valdez, Migrant, Lillian Rojas, Farmworker
POPULAR TRADITIONS
Kaleidoscope: The People’s Theatre, 1977
1977
27 min
Television program highlighting El Teatro Campesino & Teatro de la Gente
Footage of early ETC actos, “La Virgen del Tepeyac” inside MIssion San Juan Bautista, Dia de los Muertos, and Pastorela.
San Jose: KTEH, Ch. 54
Keywords: Actos, Luis Valdez, El Teatro Campesino, San Jose, La Pastorela, La Virgen del Tepeyac
Sentimiento de la Navidad: La Virgen del Tepeyac, 1979
1979
25:48 min
1979 Television Special covering the historical and indigenous roots around the celebration of La Virgen. Scenes from the ETC’s holiday play “La Virgen del Tepeyac,” performed in English inside Mission San Juan Bautista by ETC. Performers include: Jose Delgado, Luis Oropeza, Socorro Valdez, Abel Franco. Narrated by Al Reyes.
Keywords: El Teatro Campesino, La Virgen del Tepeyac, Mission San Juan Bautista, Jose Delgado, Luis Oropeza, Socorro Valdez, Abel Franco
Nine AM TV Show (Monterey) Part II, 1980
1980
29 min
Interviews with Olivia Chumacero, Luis Valdez and Phil Esparza by Lillian Rojas. Conversation topics include ETC’s “Pastorelas,” “Mundo” production (fin del mundo), images of “”La Virgen” inside Mission San Juan Bautista, “La Pastorela” outdoor performances, and discussion of key indigenous philosophies of the company and its members. Final segment features Roberta Esparza Delgado and Olivia Chumacero discussing costumes and props from various productions.
KMST Nine Am Show, Part II Monterey: KMST, Ch. 46 March 27, 1980
Keywords: Actos, Luis Valdez, Phil Esparza, Roberta Esparza Delgado, Olivia Chumacero, El Teatro Campesino, La Pastorela, La Virgen del Tepeyac, fin del mundo, Mission San Juan Bautista
16th Of September And The History Of The Mestizo People, 1979
October 1979
10 min
Educational Video about the history of the 16th Of September. Luis Valdez and historical segments
Keywords: Luis Valdez, Education, 16th Of September
De Colores – “La Pastorela” Sacramento: KCRA, Ch. 3
1980
30 min
1980 Television Special. Scenes from “La Pastorela” performed by El Teatro Campesino in Mission
Actors include: Luis Oropeza, Yolanda Parra, Robert Beltran, Angela Moya, Andres Chavez. Narrated by Roberta Delgado.
Keywords: Luis Valdez, Luis Oropeza, Yolanda Parra, Robert Beltran, Angela Moya, Andres Chavez,
Arts Alive, Alive With The Arts
1984
20 min
Scenes from “La Pastorela” and interviews with its actors.
Keywords: Andres Gutierrez, Kinan Valdez, Diane Rodriguez, Tony Curiel, Roberta Delgado.
La Huelga (ETC Early Years)
Huelga” Documentary
1981
15 min
This short film tells the story of what led to the march from Delano, California to Sacramento, California. Produced by the National Farm Workers and narrated by Cesar Chavez. Featuring footage taken by the UFW during the Delano grape strike. Includes footage from the founding meeting of El Teatro Campesino and Luis Valdez performing in the actos.
Keywords: Cesar Chavez, La Huelga, Luis Valdez, El Teatro Campesino, UFW, Delano Grape Strike
Sunday Edition Television Program (Monterey)
1981
20 min
(1) UFW and Cesar Chavez; film clips of the Sacramento March. (2) Shots of “Rose” performance with narration. (3) Shots from ETC in 1966 performance. (4) “Zoot Suit” – the movie scene. (5) Early period of El Teatro Campesino, with Luis Valdez speaking.
“Sunday Edition” Monterey: KMST, Ch. 46
Keywords: Luis Valdez, Cesar Chavez
“American Perspective: Another View,” Show No. 110
1981
29 min
Documentary on El Teatro Campesino featuring various events and interviews
Keywords: Luis Valdez, Diane Rodriguez, Felipe Cantu, Daniel Valdez, Augustin Lira, El Fin Del Mundo, Los Vendidos