Student Organization and Second Annual Staging of Zoot Suit is Celebrated by Santa Barbara Independent’s Award Night

The Latino-based production team of 13 UCSB students pieced together an astonishing production of Zoot Suit that highlighted the remarkable power of newspaper (and) propaganda. Spearheaded by Global Latinidades Center Theater Project Coordinator, Mayra Gomez-Labrada, and graduating undergrad Angel Diaz, the production team, made up of undergraduate students and graduate students of various disciplines, joined efforts to bring Chicano History and Voices to the stage and beyond.

Production manager Gomez-Labrada stated on behalf of the organization, “We host series like these to engage with theater and Latino/a/x work in new ways.” The student organization hosted a series of programming events that brought forth the play’s dramaturgical elements to its audience members. Below is a poster of the organization’s series of events, which interacted with Rasquache, Pachucho/a/x, and Latino/a/x aesthetics in various capacities.

Various poster designs to market the production of Luis Valdez’s Zoot Suit at UCSB’s Studio Theater. Cast images taken by Jonathan Coronado (Instagram: @jon_28_).

So, what is in the future of Zoot Suit at UCSB? Can we expect another production of the play by Luis Valdez?

For now, the organization continues its efforts to join forces to keep Chicano/a/x cultures and subcultures alive and supporting artists who amplify Latinidad through their creative work. Stay updated on the organization’s future plans by following our newsletter or following their Instagram @TeatroCaloUCSB.

Global Latinidades is a proud supporter and advocate of Latino/a/x led initiatives like this group’s work. The center is proud of joining the list of organizations commending the student-driven work. 

Angel Diaz and Mayra Gomez-Labrada of Zoot Suit at UCSB, collecting the Grassroots Award from the SB Independent’s Indy Awards. 
Cast images taken by Jonathan Coronado (Instagram: @jon_28_).

This past week, Diaz and Gomez-Labrada celebrated the end of the production season alongside production team members at the Indy Awards, hosted by Santa Barbara’s Independent Newspaper. The gala-filled event celebrated notable members of the Santa Barbara Theater Community for their contributions to the local county’s art scene.