How Tacos Turned Him on to Theater

Thirty years ago, the Mark Taper Forum presented the world premiere of "Zoot Suit," a musical about a dark chapter in 1940s L.A. Written and directed by Luis Valdez of El Teatro Campesino, the groundbreaking production marked the first time a major American theater had explored the Mexican-American experience. Valdez visited Zócalo on the 30th anniversary of its premiere to talk about his childhood in Cochran, California, and how he first became part of a play.

Category:

Education

Tags:

• luis valdez
• zoot suit
• zoot suit riot
• teatro campesino
• zocalo
• public square
• lecture series

[HEADSUPBERKELEY]

Anglos are a tribe from Germany that invaded the British Isles. Please do not call me an Anglo!

[MrElchalo]

i saw the Play Zoot Suit in L.A three times, the movie La Bamba about 8 times. Luis has also written some really good plays.