Actors and their roles opened window on culture, Chicano playwright says

By Marshall Young

April 2, 2008 | Luis Valdez, Chicano playwright, spoke Wednesday afternoon about the "Genesis of the Farm Workers Theater" as part of the Tanner Symposium in the Eccles Conference Center.

Valdez spoke of the formation of this community theater, and described how he used Hispanic workers as the actors in his plays. Sometimes it was difficult for them to relate to the roles that were presented. It offered the opportunity for the Latino culture to learn and communicate new ideas and perspectives.

“I would have to explain to them things like what dignidad [dignity] was, and what seniority meant,” said Valdez.

This served as a help in the formation of unions within the Latino culture. One of the most famous works Valdez used to promote this political statement was through the writing, and directing of the 1987 movie La Bamba, about 1950s rock star Richie Valens (born Ricardo Valenzuela).

To re-create scenes of the farm working conditions, Valdez had to dig into his own childhood memories of the California conditions of farm work, because no photos really existed of that period.

He believes that everything in life has connections to it, and it is important to take a look at history and realize where we are now is a result of a mixture of events from the past.

Valdez came to participate in the Tanner Symposium, which theme this year is "Celebracion: Latino Contributions to U.S. Culture." The three-day symposium will feature more than 21 presenters. Events will occur throughout each day until Friday night.

For more information about the symposium, please visit http://tanner2008.usu.edu/.

MS
MS