Overview
El Teatro Campesino, founded in 1965 by Luis Valdez, is a pioneering Latino theater company dedicated to social justice, artistic innovation, and community engagement, with a rich history of acclaimed productions and evolving cultural impact.
Founding and Early Years (1965–1970)
- Established in 1965 during the Delano Grape Strike by Luis Valdez and United Farmworkers.
- Performed short skits (actos) to dramatize farmworkers’ struggles.
- Honored in 1969 with an Obie Award and Los Angeles Drama Critics Awards for their influential work.
Expansion and International Recognition (1971–1977)
- Relocated to San Juan Bautista in 1971.
- Held an experimental workshop with Peter Brook’s company in 1973, culminating in community performances.
- European tour in 1976, performing in eight countries to significant acclaim.
- Developed a cycle of plays including La Virgen del Tepeyac and La Pastorela, performed during holidays.
- In 1977, received a Rockefeller Foundation Grant; premiered Zoot Suit, which became the first Latino play on Broadway and was adapted into a Golden Globe-nominated film.
Growth and Artistic Innovation (1981–1994)
- Acquired and converted a warehouse into their playhouse in 1981, blending music, dance, and theater.
- Corridos musical won eleven Bay Area Theater Critics Awards.
- Collaborated with Los Angeles Theater Center for I Don't Have To Show You No Stinking Badges (1986).
- Produced La Bamba (1987), Corridos: Tales of Passion and Revolution (Peabody Award), and La Pastorela: A Shepherd’s Tale (1991).
- Developed The Cisco Kid and Bandido! in early 1990s, expanding television and stage presence.
New Generations and Multimedia Expansion (1996–2006)
- In 1996, new artists experimented with classic and original works, integrating live and electronic theater.
- Opened a multimedia digital center in 1999; Ballad of Soldier won multiple indie awards.
- Began long-term partnership with San Diego Repertory Theater in 2000, premiering several new plays.
- Celebrated 25th anniversary of Zoot Suit (2002–2004), sparking a new generation of theater artists.
- Returned to ensemble roots by 2006, focusing on social change and multicultural issues under Kinan Valdez.
Recent Developments and Continuing Legacy (2015–Present)
- By 2015, operations expanded across Professional Arts, Arts Education, and Community Arts.
- Continues to produce programs committed to artistic excellence, education, and social justice.
- Preparing for 60th anniversary in 2025, maintaining leadership and innovation within Latino and multicultural theater.