Zoot Suit
by Luis Valdez
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Description
This bilingual edition combines the original English-language version with the first-ever Spanish translation of the critically acclaimed play by Luis Valdez, a work that cracked open the depiction of Chicanos on the stage, challenging viewers to revisit a troubled moment in our nation's history. From the moment the myth-infused character El Pachuco burst onto the stage, literally cutting his way through the drop curtain with a switchblade, Valdez spurred a revolution in Chicano theater.show more Focusing on the events surrounding the Sleepy Lagoon Murder Trial of 1942 and the ensuing Zoot Suit Riots that turned Los Angeles into a bloody war zone, this is a gritty and vivid depiction of the horrifying violence and racism suffered by young Mexican Americans on the home front during World War II. Valdez's cadre of young urban characters struggle with the stereotypes and generalizations of America's dominant culture, the questions of assimilation and patriotism, and a desire to rebel against the mainstream pressures that threaten to wipe them out.
Experimenting with brash forms of narration, pop culture of the war era, and complex characterizations, this quintessential exploration of the Mexican-American experience in the United States during the 1940s was the first Chicano play to open on Broadway. Experimenting with brash forms of narration, pop culture of the war era, and complex characterizations, this quintessential exploration of the Mexican-American experience in the United States during the 1940s was the first, and only, Chicano play to open on Broadway.
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Member Reviews
This is a story about the problems facing Chicanos in California during World War 2. It is not a very happy story, but it is a very deep story.
I liked reading something that switched between English and another language I could read and understand, for once. Most of the classics you end up reading as an English major use French, Latin or Russian, if anything, and if you're apparently unlucky enough to know and like Spanish, you never really get the opportunity to use your skills in your chosen field.
I really liked the messages in the play. It says a lot of things about ethnic differences and problems, and it is does a great job with metaphors.
I could do without the sexism, and I am really tired of saying "it was the times", especially show more since that really is not an excuse. But at least the author did not pretend that there were no problems. It is presented and it is not placed in a good light, thankfully.
I would love to see something like this live. The stage directions sound really interesting and it sounds like a very beautiful play. show less
I liked reading something that switched between English and another language I could read and understand, for once. Most of the classics you end up reading as an English major use French, Latin or Russian, if anything, and if you're apparently unlucky enough to know and like Spanish, you never really get the opportunity to use your skills in your chosen field.
I really liked the messages in the play. It says a lot of things about ethnic differences and problems, and it is does a great job with metaphors.
I could do without the sexism, and I am really tired of saying "it was the times", especially show more since that really is not an excuse. But at least the author did not pretend that there were no problems. It is presented and it is not placed in a good light, thankfully.
I would love to see something like this live. The stage directions sound really interesting and it sounds like a very beautiful play. show less
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Author Information
22+ Works 550 Members
Luis Valdez is the founding director of the Teledramatic Arts and Technology Department at California State University, Monterey Bay.
Work Relationships
Has as a student's study guide
Common Knowledge
- Canonical title*
- Zoot Suit [1981 film]
- Original title
- Zoot Suit
*Some information comes from Common Knowledge in other languages. Click "Edit" for more information.
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Statistics
- Members
- 59
- Popularity
- 520,043
- Reviews
- 1
- Rating
- (4.00)
- Languages
- English, Spanish
- Media
- Paper, Audiobook, Ebook
- ISBNs
- 9
- UPCs
- 1
- ASINs
- 6
