The United States has the highest incarceration rate in the world, with over 2.2 million people currently behind bars. This staggering statistic is often discussed in terms of numbers and statistics, but rarely do we see the human impact of this system. However, a powerful and thought-provoking play, The Peculiar Patriot, is changing that. This groundbreaking piece of theatre, performed in more than 35 prisons across the US, sheds light on the human cost of mass incarceration and reveals the enduring ties between our current prison system and the legacy of slavery.
Written and performed by Liza Jessie Peterson, The Peculiar Patriot is a one-woman show that follows the journey of main character Betsy LaQuanda Ross, better known as “Betsy from Rikers Island.” Betsy is a self-proclaimed “peculiar patriot,” a term she uses to describe her love for her country and her community, despite the harsh realities she faces as a Black woman in the US. Through her powerful storytelling, Betsy takes the audience on a journey through her experiences as a prison guard, as well as the experiences of her friends and family who have been impacted by the criminal justice system.
The play’s title, The Peculiar Patriot, is a nod to Harriet Beecher Stowe’s novel, Uncle Tom’s Cabin. In the novel, “peculiar” was used as a derogatory term to describe Black people, highlighting the dehumanization and racism that was prevalent during slavery. Peterson cleverly reclaims this term and uses it to expose the parallels between slavery and the current prison system.
One of the most impactful aspects of The Peculiar Patriot is its use of humour. It may seem strange to find humour in a play about mass incarceration, but Peterson expertly weaves it in to bring lightness to an otherwise heavy topic. Through her witty dialogue and sharp observations, Peterson forces the audience to confront uncomfortable truths and challenges stereotypes and misconceptions about incarcerated individuals.
The play also delves into the exploitative nature of the prison industrial complex. Through Betsy’s interactions with her supervisor and the corporation running the prison, we see how the system benefits from the cheap labor of incarcerated individuals. This draws a direct parallel to the exploitation of Black people during slavery and highlights how the legacy of slavery is still alive and well in our current prison system.
By performing in prisons, Peterson and her team are able to bring this powerful play directly to those most affected by mass incarceration. The impact of the performances on the incarcerated individuals is profound, as they are able to see their own experiences reflected onstage. It also serves as a means of therapy and healing, allowing them to confront their emotions and experiences in a safe and supportive environment.
But the impact of The Peculiar Patriot doesn’t end there. The play has also been performed in universities, community centers, and theatres, reaching a wide and diverse audience. This has sparked important conversations and raised awareness about the injustices of mass incarceration and the need for prison reform. It also serves as a call to action, urging individuals to get involved in the fight for criminal justice reform.
The Peculiar Patriot is a powerful reminder that the prison system is not just about numbers and statistics, but about real people and their stories. It forces us to confront the human cost of mass incarceration and challenges us to imagine a better and more just system.
As Liza Jessie Peterson herself puts it, “If you’re going to throw statistics at people, then you need to include some humanity and compassion.” The Peculiar Patriot does just that, and in doing so, it shines a light on the enduring ties between slavery and the prison system. It is a thought-provoking and timely piece of theatre that has the power to inspire change and make a real difference in the fight for justice and equality for all.
