El Teatro Campesino is a theater company founded in 1965 by Luis Valdez in California. It was created to serve the cultural and social needs of the Chicano community, using performance as a means of activism and education. The company is known for its use of traditional Mexican theater forms, such as mariachi and ballet folklórico, to address issues like labor rights and social justice. The performances often incorporate humor and satire, making complex topics accessible to a wide audience. Over the years, El Teatro Campesino has played a significant role in the Chicano civil rights movement, promoting cultural pride and awareness through its art.