From Wharf Rats to Lords of the Dock
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When:
October 24, 2015 @ 8:00 PM
2015-10-24T20:00:00-07:00
2015-10-24T20:30:00-07:00
Where:
Grand Annex
434 West 6th Street
San Pedro, CA 90731
USA
434 West 6th Street
San Pedro, CA 90731
USA
Cost:
$25 - $140
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Royal Academy of Dramatic Art actor and playwright, Ian Ruskin returns to the San Pedro stage to portray legendary union organizer Harry Bridges, capturing his spirit and sharp sense of humor in the his-man play, “From Wharf Rats to Lords of the Docks.”
Ruskin’s performance brings to life Harry Bridges, who rallied for the longshoremen, the self-proclaimed “Wharf Rats,” along San Francisco’s piers and subsequently founded the ILWU – the International Longshore and Warehouse Union. This vivid dramatization features Bridges’ own words, from rallying speeches of the 1930s to his electrifying testimony at his own trials, plus eye-witness accounts of his contemporaries.
Born in England, Ruskin came to the U.S. in his thirties, and has since created stage performances that deeply reflect American culture. He has performed his Wharf Ratsplay over 200 times, for more than 50,000 people. The film version of the 2001 Warner Grand live performance, directed by Academy Award winner Haskell Wexler, regularly airs on PBS, making the story of Harry Bridges available to millions.
“Harry Bridges is one of the most important labor leaders of the 20th century and Ian Ruskin has captured him in his one-man show– his persona, his ideas — brilliantly. There were times when I forgot this was someone other than Harry Bridges speaking. It is a valuable piece of working-class history, presented colorfully and intelligently.” Howard Zinn, Historian, Playwright and Social Activist
