Item MM 97623 Postcard - Melbourne Workers Theatre, 'We Built This City', 2006

Summary

Postcard issued by Melbourne Workers Theatre for 'We Built This City', a theatre performance held at Scienceworks between 26 April and 6 May 2006. The play was organised by Donna Jackson (writer and director), Mark Seymour (composer and rock band leader), Mark Grunden (community music director), Andrea James (associate director), Phil Lethlean (lighting designer), Malcolm McKinnon (film-maker and media artist) and Kristie Walker (production manager).

The performance was part of a program of events held to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the Eight Hour Day.

Description of Content

Postcard issued by Melbourne Workers Theatre for 'We Built This City', theatre performance at Scienceworks, 26 April - 6 May 2006.

Physical Description

Printed postcard, orange and black text and image on white background on front, text and map on back.

Significance

2006 marked the 150th anniversary of the Eight Hour Day in Victoria. Action taken by stonemasons on 21 April 1856 led to the establishment of the Eight Hour Day, with the government agreeing that workers employed on public works should enjoy an eight hour day with no loss of pay. It was a world first and became emblematic of the rights of labour.

Represented by the slogan 'eight hours labour, eight hours rest, eight hours recreation' and the intertwined numbers '888', the Eight Hour Day became a symbol of the rights of workers to organise to achieve their rights not only as workers, but as citizens in a democratic society.

Planning for the celebrations to mark the 150th anniversary commenced in mid 2003. The main program partners were Australian Centre for the Moving Image, Australian Society for the Study of Labor History, City of Melbourne, Heritage Victoria, Melbourne Workers Theatre, Museum Victoria, RMIT University, State Library of Victoria, University of Melbourne and Victorian Trades Hall Council. The final line-up for the program had 11 exhibitions, 3 theatrical shows, 2 conferences, a public forum, public lecture, 2 community events and a banquet.