Thursday May 1, 2008 7:30pm Only
Eerily echoing current times, THE WOBBLIES boldly investigates a nation torn by naked corporate greed and the red-hot rift between the industrial masters and the rabble-rousing workers in the field and factory. Replete with gorgeous archival footage, the film pays tribute to American workers who took the ideals of equality and free speech seriously enough to die for them.
THE WOBBLIES is a rare and challenging invitation to rethink both past and present through the eyes of an organization largely omitted from memory. The International Workers of the World, AKA The Wobblies or IWW is growing around the country, and in particular here in Missoula.
Special Guests: Please join us for a discussion after the film with members of the local IWW branch.
Producers' Web Site: http: www.docurama.com/productdetail.html?productid=NV-NVG-9794
Please Note: There will only be a 7:30 showing this evening.
There will not be a 5:30 screening.
The Montana Industrial Workers of the World (IWW)—a.k.a. “the Wobblies”—will host two days of events celebrating May Day. Worldwide, May 1st is a holiday dedicated to the historic and current movement for human emancipation, and the on-going struggle of the working class. This year, Missoula will join in this celebration, and help recognize and honor those without whose labor, society could not exist. The IWW—a radical union dedicated to a truly democratic society—has been at the forefront of this struggle, and we are inviting all to join us for two days of education, organizing, entertainment and action.
| Thursday, May 1 | |
| • 6:00pm | Gather at Kiwanis Park for rally and socializing |
| • 6:30pm | March to the UC Theatre, U of M campus |
| • 7:30pm | Showing of the documentary film “The Wobblies” |
| Friday, May 2 | |
| • 5:00pm | Free Speech Fight, gather at the corner of Front & Higgins to exercise your right to free speech in public space |
| • 7:00pm | Organizing Fair, upstairs at the Union Club |
| • 8:00pm | Benefit Concert for Utah Phillips featuring singer/songwriter Mark Ross and Friends. Tickets $8-15 |
Film—The documentary film, “The Wobblies,” explores the historical roots of the militant union, the Industrial Workers of the World (IWW). Through interviews with those who remember the often violent struggle, we learn the philosophy and strategy of the One Big Union. See above.
Free Speech Fight—Free speech as we commonly understand it was not granted to us by the U.S. Constitution, but fought for and won on the streets by the IWW. In fact, the site of the first-ever Free Speech Fight was in Missoula, Montana in late September of 1909! As our rights are rapidly vanishing and “responsible citizenship” in the form of voting for change become the norm in the Age of Terror, Montana Wobblies seek to remind us of our inalienable rights.
Organizing Fair—Progressive groups from around the Missoula and Bitterroot valleys have been invited to come share information about their missions and activities. This pre-concert gathering will allow us to visit and learn about what others are doing to build a more just and sustainable Montana.
Concert—Mark Ross & Friends—Mark is a dynamic, living archive of songs and stories about worker solidarity and union power. Having lived in Butte and traveled extensively, Mark reminds us of this proud history and inspires us to continue the fight for equality. He will be joined by fellow musicians, poets, spoken word and hip hop artists for a raucous celebration of the global labor struggle. Proceeds will go to help veteran artist/musician Utah Phillips defray medical expenses.
IWW Montana Branch: www.iww.org/en/branches/US/MT