WARREN Historical society to re-enact WWI trial

The event calls for audience participation.
WARREN -- The Fine Arts Council of Trumbull County, in cooperation with the Western Reserve Historical Society's Timeslider Theater Troupe, will present "Free Speech on Trial" at 7 p.m. Saturday.
This audience participatory historical drama is a re-enactment of the trial of Eugene V. Debs, the Socialist Party leader arrested in Canton during World War I for publicly criticizing the war in Europe.
Anyone interested in attending should make reservations by Tuesday by sending $15 per person to the Fine Arts Council, P.O. Box 48, Warren 44482. Call FACT at (330) 399-1212.
A 4 p.m. Saturday program may be scheduled if the 7 p.m. program is sold out.
The audience will be encouraged to survey the evidence, which will consist of historic photographs, WW I era headlines, audio and videotapes, then debate the evidence with a jury of their peers.
Audience size is limited to 60 and there will be roles for 20 to 22 people.
About Debs
Debs was born Nov. 5, 1855, in Terre Haute, Ind. His first experience in politics was as a young man as city clerk in Terre Haute.
In June 1893, he organized the first industrial union, the American Railway Union. As a member of the Socialist Party, Debs was an idea man and was considered a great communicator.
He ran for president five times, including once from his jail cell in Atlanta. In his final attempt at the presidency in 1920, he was defeated by Warren G. Harding.
Timeslider Theater is a museum theater program created by the Western Reserve Historical Society in Cleveland.
FACT is a local, not-for-profit agency that promotes the practice and appreciation of the arts to all people throughout Trumbull County.
In addition, the council serves as an informational and technical resource to 34 area arts and cultural organizations and is funded in part by the Ohio Arts Council.