Much has been written about the travails of the labor movement, virtually all from a macro level stressing the political implications. One need only pick up a paper to read this decline celebrated as a contribution to economic freedom or lamented as the basis of income inequality in modern society. Far less has been written from the perspective of workers who are involved in collective bargaining about the impact and personal cost of their commitment.
Sage of Blackwell tracks the journey of Runyon Law, a worker drawn into union activism after a bitter experience with plant supervision, and then leadership, recalled in flashback well after his career is over. Runyon and his friends fight to secure significant triumphs for their members when times turn good, but ultimately experience heartbreaking frustration as they respond to economic forces they can influence, but not control. The hard decisions which must inevitably must be made end Runyon’s career.
The commitment to the work has to be, and is, total, but comes at the cost of family life and important friendships leaving Runyon isolated and alone. Runyon and his remaining friends sort out his achievements and their price as they pay him what is likely a last visit.
Goethe Institute – Main Stage, 812 7th Street NW, in Washington D.C.
(Near Gallery Place stop on The Red Line on the Metro).Â
Saturday, July 12, 7:45 PM
Sunday, July 13, 12:00 PM
Friday, July 18, 9:15 PM;
Sunday, July 20, 4:45 PM
Saturday, July 26, 2:45 PM
Purchase tickets here, or call (866) 811-4111.
