March 22, 2004

“From Wharf Rats to Lords of the Docks: The Life and Times of Harry Bridges” Mixes History and Drama on March 26

The Harry Bridges Project brings to life the story of the most powerful leader in San Francisco labor history in an unusual production mixing history and theatre at Sonoma State University.

British born actor Ian Ruskin will perform a one-man show portraying the life and times of Harry Bridges, fiery San Francisco waterfront union activist of the 1930s at 7p.m. on Friday, March 26 in the Cooperage,

"From Wharf Rats to Lords of the Docks: The Life and Times of Harry Bridges" captures the emotion and the politics of the man as well as the era and follow them through Bridges's blacklisting during the '50s McCarthy era.

The play covers his early years, the influences that formed his philosophy and some of the major events in his life: the General Strike of 1934, the forming of the International Longshore and Warehouse Union, and Bridge's 21-year struggle to become an American citizen.

Ruskin delivers an acclaimed dramatic monologue as the historical labor leader, followed by a question and answer period.

The event is co-sponsored by Project Censored and Students for Media Democracy. Tickets available at the door only are $5 students and $9 general admission.

For further information, contact Tricia Boreta at Project Censored, (707) 664-2500 or visit www.harrybridgesproject.org or www.projectcensored.org.


Jean Wasp
Media Relations Coordinator
University Affairs
(707) 664-2057
jean.wasp@sonoma.edu