El Teatro Campesino

Luis Valdez directing a staged reading of "Valley of the Heart." Photo by Robert Eliason.

Art & Culture

Gavilan College offers class on the dramatic works of Luis Valdez

Students will get an in-depth look at the plays and films of the founder of El Teatro Campesino.

The Third Apparition as presented in "La Virgen de Tepeyac." Photo by Robert Eliason.

Art & Culture

The evolution of El Teatro Campesino’s ‘La Virgen de Tepeyac’

From a liturgical manuscript to full production in the Mission to a pandemic-inspired radio play.

Noe Montoya. Photo by Robert Eliason

Art & Culture

Local artistic community remembers Noe Montoya

"He was absolutely an incredible human being. His heart and his generosity and his true belief in La Causa will be attributes that we will remember."

Noe Montoya as Juan Diego. Photo by Robert Eliason.

Art & Culture

How Noe Montoya came to embody the spirit of Juan Diego

Prior to his death on Nov. 26, the longtime El Teatro Campesino actor and musician reflected on the journey to his greatest theatrical role.

A past production of El Teatro Campesino's 'La Virgen de Tepeyac.' Photo by Robert Eliason.

Art & Culture

‘La Virgen de Tepeyac’ lives on as radio play

El Teatro Campesino’s iconic production adapts to COVID-19.

A 2019 workshop on making ofrendas (altars) for Dia de los Muertos. Photo courtesy of El Teatro Campesino.

Art & Culture

El Teatro Campesino hosts online workshops for Dia de los Muertos

Participants learn how to design ofrendas for deceased loved ones.

Andres Gutierrez with the Ladies of San Juan. Photo courtesy of Lupe Valdez.

Art & Culture

El Teatro Campesino remembers performer Andres Gutierrez

A San Juan Bautista fixture finds peace after struggling with PTSD and COVID-19.

El Teatro Campesino actors and performers give an in-class lesson in 2018. With the coronavirus pandemic, the San Juan Bautista-based theater is taking its education program online. All photos provided by El Teatro Campesino.

Art & Culture

El Teatro Campesino brings puppet show online

Educational outreach program continues through video lessons and visual arts.

Luis Valdez Performing (Courtesy ETC).

Features

Luis Valdez: Cesar Chavez and theater for the people

Playwright speaks on getting involved in the farmworker movement, his early plays and the birth of El Teatro Campesino.

Luis Valdez, playwright and founder of El Teatro Campesino in San Juan Bautista. Photo by Robert Eliason.

Art & Culture

Luis Valdez: Papier-mache and the theater of change

In the first of two articles, the El Teatro Campesino founder speaks of his childhood and early beginnings.

Musician Bocanegra rehearses for upcoming performances at the El Teatro Campesino 'Palabra' showcase from March 5-8. Photos by Robert Eliason.

Art & Culture

‘Palabra’ is El Teatro Campesino’s talent showcase

Four-day run debuts 13 new works of music, poetry and theater.

La Pastorela at the Mission. This year's performance is being held at the El Teatro Campesino playhouse in San Juan Bautista. Photo by Robert Eliason.

Art & Culture

Luis Valdez and the ‘Pastorela’ journey

El Teatro founder speaks on the Christmas show’s history and its return to San Juan playhouse.

Mauricio Samano with Adam Luna. Photo by Robert Eliason.

Art & Culture

Mauricio Samano’s journey from Mexico to ‘La Pastorela’

El Teatro Campesino performer recalls his coming of age.

Kinan Valdez, La Pastorela Rehearsal in 2019. Photos by Robert Eliason.

Art & Culture

Kinan Valdez brings Teatro tradition to a new setting

‘La Pastorela’ director talks about re-staging the Christmas play.

Art & Culture

Daniel Valdez: A Teatro Campesino Life

This Thanksgiving, a time when families join together, BenitoLink recognizes the creative energy of the Valdez family and introduces its next generation to our readers.

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