San Juan Bautista
– The founder of El Teatro Campesino was named the most
influential Latino in Silicon Valley arts and culture.
San Juan Bautista – The founder of El Teatro Campesino was named the most influential Latino in Silicon Valley arts and culture.
Luis Valdez, 67, was chosen from among 10 nominees at the Mexican American Community Services Agency’s red carpet gala June 30. The theater legend and 54-year San Juan Bautista resident is credited with promoting Chicano theater, which addresses issues of Mexicans and people of Mexican descent living in America, into the mainstream.
“He was the trailblazer for theater and film for Latinos,” said Xavier Campos, Chief Operations Officer for MACSA and a member of the awards committee.
There were a number of factors that contributed to Valdez being named the top Latino in an arts category that included folk singer Joan Baez, Campos said. Among these was his having authored and directed the first play about Chicanos to hit Broadway, “Zoot Suit.”
However, what clinched the award for Valdez was not one success, but his lifelong dedication to the arts, Campos said.
“His influence early on, setting the foundation, and to date” were big factors, he said. “He is still influencing the arts through theater.”
Valdez works as the artistic director and chairman of the board at El Teatro Campesino, which he founded back in the 1965. He also serves as a councilmember of the National Endowment of the Arts and as a founding member of the California Arts Council.
For his efforts, he has been recognized with awards from the president and governor, among others. Still, being named the most influential Latino in arts by MACSA was special because the honor was meant for more than just him, Valdez said.
“It’s a recognition of everyone in El Teatro Campesino,” he said. “This is a recognition of their energy and work and contributions as well.”
The award does not signal an end to Valdez’ career. A new production of “Zoot Suit,” Valdez’ play based on the 1942 Sleepy Lagoon murder in Los Angeles, the ensuing 1943 Zoot Suit riots and the prejudice shown against about 600 Chicanos wrongfully arrested in connection to the murder case, previews at El Teatro Campesino on Friday.
Valdez’ son, the theater’s associate artistic director, will direct the production. Working with his son and with young artists is part of what keeps Valdez going.
“Chicano theater will not be fully established until there are three or four or five generations that have been doing it,” he said. “We’re continuing that process. What we’re doing will require two or three lifetimes.”
