From Wharf Rats to
Lords of the Docks
THE LIFE AND TIMES OF HARRY BRIDGES
The Man
In 1920, a young Australian seaman arrived in San Francisco. Over the next 60 years he would have a profound effect on the American labor movement and its relationship to the rest of the world. He would help to create a union, the ILWU, with strong democratic principles, groundbreaking benefits for its members, and a belief in social and political action on behalf of workers of the world.
He also fought against all forms of prejudice and discrimination in the American labor movement and society as a whole. He endured 21 years of trials and hearings accused of being a communist. When the government finally gave up in 1955 he became an American citizen.
He led his union through four decades of challenges in a changing world. He has left a profound mark on America and it's working men and women, even as we continue the struggles for economic, political and racial justice.
“The most important word in the language of the working class is solidarity.”
- Harry Bridges
The Play
From Wharf Rats to Lords of the Docks is a multi-media one-man play that tells the story of Harry Bridges and his life’s work, through his passions, struggles and his wicked sense of humor. With many of his own words - from childhood stories of Australia to waterfront speeches during the 1934 strike to confessions of loss during his divorces and bouts of drinking - it brings Harry to life as a visionary but very human man. This 65-minute story was written under the watchful eye of leading scholars, ensuring that it is accurate as well as entertaining.
Ian has performed it over 300 times to 50,000 people at universities, colleges, theatres, union conventions, museums, libraries and citizens’ groups across America, in Canada, Hawai’i, England and Australia. He is equally at home in a 1,000 seat theatre, a college classroom or a hotel conference ballroom.
The play takes you through some of America’s most turbulent times with one of its most dynamic human beings as your guide.
The Film
Making the film version of From Wharf Rats to Lords of the Docks was a special and unique event. We filmed at the magnificent Warner Grand Theatre in San Pedro to a packed house of 1,000 longshore workers and their families - shot in one take! We added historical photos and footage, a soundtrack with everything from rare labor songs to world premiere recordings, and three re-enactments starring members of ILWU Local 13. All this has produced a stirring film about worker solidarity, which at the same time is an intimate portrait of a man whose vision still impacts our lives today.
The film aired across America on PBS for four years making it available to 150 million viewers. Scroll down for information about booking a screening and Q&A with Ian Ruskin. Or you can see the film by purchasing it as a 2-DVD set or digital download in the shop.
Interested in Booking a Performance?
The Play
The play is a multimedia presentation with 40 exciting cues that include rare archival photos, footage and labor songs. Props, costumes and a Q&A are included. This 65-minute play has been performed in all kinds of settings. No theater? No problem! Reach out to discuss the details.
Either the play or film will give you an entertaining and educational performance, providing further insights into the life and times of Harry Bridges and an important slice of American history!
The Film
This is a film of a live performance of the play, filmed in front of 1,000 members of Bridges’ union. A Q&A follows which can be set up in two ways - live on-site with Ian or a zoom Q&A from his home. Contact us to review the options.
(trailers, recommendations, additional info)
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Historical Images
Mission Statement
The Harry Bridges Project illuminates the life and legacy of Harry Bridges and others who advanced the causes of labor, human rights and social justice, focusing on figures who, in addition, fought against prejudice and discrimination, whether racial, ethnic, religious or political. We use live performance, storytelling, film and radio documentaries, performance workshops, on-line Lesson Plans and social media to tell these stories.
The Harry Bridges Project is a
501 (c) 3 organization
EIN 47-0862694
All donations are tax deductible.
Special Thanks to
