American Masters, American Pachuco: The Legend of Luis Valdez
PBS Western Reserve (WNEO 45.1 / WEAO 49.1):
Tuesday, Oct. 6, at 9 PM
Wednesday, Oct. 7, at 2 AM
Fusion (WNEO 45.2 / WEAO 49.2):
Friday, Oct. 9, at 8 PM
A celebration of Luis Valdez, whose influential work in theater and film reflects the struggles and triumphs of the Mexican American community, AMERICAN PACHUCHO: THE LEGEND OF LUIS VALDEZ is presented by AMERICAN MASTERS and VOCES, and produced, written and directed by David Alvarado.
The son of migrant farmworkers who became a revolutionary artist, Luis Valdez changed American culture. In the 1960s, his El Teatro Campesino performed on flatbed trucks and helped mobilize farmworkers to win their first union contract. In 1979, his “Zoot Suit” was the first Chicano play ever performed on Broadway. His feature film, “La Bamba” was a breakout blockbuster in 1987 that authentically depicted Mexican American life and shared it with the world. Founded in 1965, Valdez’s El Teatro continues to be a beacon for Latino/a creators. AMERICAN PACHUCHO is the story of a pioneering artist who gave voice to the overlooked and opened pathways for generations.
