The United States has the highest incarceration rate in the world, with over 2.3 million people behind bars. This staggering statistic is a result of the country’s long history of mass incarceration, which has disproportionately affected communities of color. The Peculiar Patriot, a one-woman show written and performed by Liza Jessie Peterson, sheds light on the human cost of this system and its ties to the legacy of slavery.
Since its debut in 2017, The Peculiar Patriot has been performed in more than 35 prisons across the United States. Peterson, a renowned activist and educator, drew inspiration from her own experiences working in prisons and witnessing the devastating effects of mass incarceration on individuals and their families. Through her powerful storytelling and dynamic performance, she brings to life the harsh realities of life behind bars and the enduring ties between slavery and the prison system.
The play follows the journey of Betsy LaQuanda Ross, a self-proclaimed “peculiar patriot” who visits her incarcerated friend in prison. As she navigates the complex and dehumanizing prison system, Betsy reflects on her own experiences growing up in a community ravaged by poverty, violence, and the prison industrial complex. Through Betsy’s eyes, we see the devastating impact of mass incarceration on individuals, families, and communities.
One of the most striking aspects of The Peculiar Patriot is its unflinching portrayal of the human cost of mass incarceration. Peterson’s performance is raw, emotional, and deeply personal, as she brings to life the stories of real people she has met in her work. She highlights the dehumanizing conditions of prisons, the trauma and isolation experienced by inmates, and the devastating effects of long-term incarceration on families and communities.
But beyond the individual stories, The Peculiar Patriot also exposes the systemic issues that perpetuate mass incarceration. Peterson skillfully weaves in the history of slavery and its lasting impact on the criminal justice system. She draws parallels between the slave trade and the modern-day prison industrial complex, highlighting how the legacy of slavery continues to shape the treatment of Black and Brown bodies in the criminal justice system.
The play also challenges the audience to confront their own complicity in this system. Betsy, as a “peculiar patriot,” represents the many Americans who turn a blind eye to the injustices of mass incarceration. Through her character, Peterson forces us to question our own beliefs and actions, and to consider the role we play in perpetuating this system.
The impact of The Peculiar Patriot goes beyond the stage. Peterson and her team have partnered with organizations such as The Fortune Society and The Sentencing Project to provide resources and support for those impacted by mass incarceration. The play has also sparked important conversations and raised awareness about the need for criminal justice reform.
The Peculiar Patriot is a powerful and timely piece of theater that shines a light on the devastating effects of mass incarceration. Through her dynamic performance and thought-provoking storytelling, Liza Jessie Peterson challenges us to confront the human cost of this system and to take action towards creating a more just and equitable society.
As the play continues to be performed in prisons across the country, it serves as a reminder of the resilience and humanity of those impacted by mass incarceration. It also serves as a call to action for all of us to work towards dismantling this unjust system and creating a more compassionate and equitable society for all. The Peculiar Patriot is a must-see for anyone who wants to better understand the human cost of mass incarceration and the enduring ties between slavery and the prison system.
