San Jose State University Presented

A Day Long Celebration Honoring
LUIS VALDEZ
and EL TEATRO CAMPESINO:
40 YEARS OF STAGES AND STRUGGLES

On October 27, 2005, a University Theatre
Special Presentation by Luis Valdez

Two Panels of Renown Theater Artists and Scholars. On-stage Readings from Valdez' Plays The Shrunken Head of Pancho Villa and Earthquake Sun

Below a few photos of this day

El Teatro Campesino will continue its anniversary celebration on Friday, October 28th with a special exhibition at its home in San Juan Bautista.

This event is supported by the SJSU Department of Television, Radio, Film, and Theatre The SJSU College of Humanities and the Arts, the UC Chancellor's Associates Endowed Chair III, the UC-San Diego, El Teatro Campesino, and the Silicon Valley Arts Council.

The San Jose State University Department of Television, Radio, Film, and Theatre and UC-San Diego is having a daylong celebration honoring internationally known playwright, Luis Valdez and his El Teatro Campesino on their 40th anniversary. The celebration, LUIS VALDEZ AND EL TEATRO CAMPESINO: 40 YEARS OF STAGES AND STRUGGLES, will be held Thursday, October 27, 2005 from 10:00 AM-5:30 PM in Hugh Gillis Hall. Events on the program include 2 panels of renowned theatre artists and scholars. These include Prof. Harry Elam, Jr. and Prof. Yvonne Yarbro-Bejarano of Stanford University, Prof. Patricia Ybarra of Brown University, Lupe Valdez of El Teatro Campesino, Prof. Alma Martinez of UC-Santa Cruz, Prof. Jon Rossini of UC-Davis, and moderators Prof. Jorge Huerta of UC-San Diego and Prof. Buddy Butler of San Jose State University. Members of El Teatro Campesino will also read excerpts from Valdez's first play, The Shrunken Head of Pancho Villa, and his most recent work, Earthquake Sun. The event will culminate with a special presentation by Luis Valdez.

Valdez began his dramatic writing career as a student at San Jose State, and his first play; The Shrunken Head of Pancho Villa was produced on the campus in 1964. Valdez worked with the San Francisco Mime Troupe and began to work with Cesar Chavez in the migrant workers' strikes. Using his theatrical talents, Valdez gathered a troupe to work with the local workers to present agitprop theatre. In 1971 El Teatro Campesino moved into permanent residences in San Juan Bautista. Valdez has become one of the leading American playwrights and screenwriters. His play Zoot Suit was made into a movie, and his LaBamba has become a classic.

The public is invited to attend the 40th anniversary celebration. There is no admission charge. For additional information, call (408) 924-4586. El Teatro Campesino will continue its anniversary celebration on Friday, October 28th with a special exhibition at its home in San Juan Bautista.

This event is supported by the SJSU Department of Television, Radio, Film, and Theatre, the SJSU College of Humanities and the Arts, UC Chancellor's Associates Endowed Chair III, UC-San Diego, El Teatro Campesino, and the Silicon Valley Arts Council.