The Trial of Mother Jones is inspired by real events. "Mother" Mary Harris Jones was born in Cork, Ireland in 1837. The dream of a better life brought her to America. As the first female organizer for the United Mine Workers, she battled for the rights of American workers until shortly before her death at the age of 93.

It's 1914, and The Colorado Coalfield War, the bloodiest labor dispute in U.S. history, is raging. A 77-year-old Irish hellraiser named Mother Jones issues a call to arms, summoning 500,000 union miners to rise up and fight against a renegade National Guard unit run by Lt. "Jesus Christ" Linderfelt. Her battle cry, "Pray for the dead… and fight like hell for the living!" A few nights later she's ambushed in a union meeting hall by Clarence Darrow, John Mitchell (U.M.W. President), and John D. Rockefeller Jr., in a desperate attempt to stop her. During this participatory production the audience assumes the role of the American workers called to this union hall to help decide the fate of Mother Jones, answering a question for the ages: At what point do you pick up a gun and go to war with your own countrymen?

The Elite Theatre Company (ETC) has been entertaining, educating, and enriching its audience since 1994. Located at Channel Islands Harbor Fisherman's Wharf at the site of the old Maritime Museum, the company produces the highest quality theater in Ventura County on its Main and South stages. ETC brings together the local talents of amateurs and professionals who share a passion for theater and who generously volunteer their time on the stage and behind the scenes. This collaboration creates a variety of quality live theatrical productions showcased in our unique setting.