A Voice for the Incarcerated: The Genesis of “The Peculiar Patriot”

Peterson, a Philadelphia native, describes a palpable connection to Baltimore, referring to it as a “Black Mecca.” This sense of belonging, she explains, amplifies the play’s impact. “The Peculiar Patriot” centers on Betsy Laquanda Ross, a woman who regularly visits her incarcerated best friend, Joanne. Through their raw and often humorous conversations, the play unveils the realities of life behind bars and the ripple effects on those left behind.

The play’s origins lie in Peterson’s extensive work at New York’s Rikers Island, where she served as a poetry teacher, GED instructor, program counselor, and re-entry specialist. This immersive experience exposed her to the systemic injustices of the prison industrial complex and the enduring resilience of the human spirit. “It wasn’t just about the evils of the system,” Peterson reflects, “but also about the incredible capacity for change that exists within everyone.”

This period fueled her 2017 memoir, “All Day,” and ultimately birthed the monologues that would evolve into “The Peculiar Patriot.” Initially rejected by mainstream off-Broadway venues, the play found an unexpected and fervent audience within the prison system itself, being performed in over 30 correctional facilities nationwide.

From Angola to Center Stage: A Play That Demands to Be Heard

A particularly powerful performance at Angola, the Louisiana State Penitentiary, nearly brought the show to a halt. Inmates were so moved by Peterson’s words – feeling seen and validated – that their enthusiastic response prompted authorities to temporarily suspend the performance. However, this attempt to silence the play only amplified its message, spreading through the prison population and even influencing a local election. “The brothers began calling their family members at home, demanding they vote out an alleged racist incumbent,” Peterson recounts. “And they did.”

This grassroots impact propelled “The Peculiar Patriot” to larger stages, including Washington, D.C.’s Woolly Mammoth Theatre and venues across the country. The play’s trajectory received a significant boost from Emmy Award-winning producer Lena Waithe, who discovered Peterson’s work on Instagram and immediately recognized its power.

“Lena is a real one,” Peterson says. “She reshared a clip of me teaching at Rikers, and it opened up a whole new world of visibility.” Waithe, deeply moved by Peterson’s passion and commitment, saw the potential to amplify the play’s message even further.

“I was blown away by her poem and her delivery,” Waithe stated. “I was also struck by the image of her working with students, encouraging them to speak kindly to themselves and radiating so much love and light. I shared it, and my network did too.”

Waithe’s support, combined with the play’s inherent power, has positioned “The Peculiar Patriot” for continued success. Baltimore Center Stage Artistic Director Stevie Walker-Webb, having previously discussed the play with Peterson, saw an opportunity to bring this vital work to a new audience. He also collaborated with Waithe, who believed the play deserved a prominent platform at Center Stage. The show, which opened on October 18th and runs through November 9th, offers a timely and urgent exploration of the human consequences of mass incarceration. Tickets are available at baltimorecenterstage.org.

What role does art play in social justice movements? And how can theater serve as a catalyst for meaningful change within communities impacted by systemic inequality?

Frequently Asked Questions About “The Peculiar Patriot”

• What is “The Peculiar Patriot” about? The play explores the deep humanity within the prison system through the story of Betsy Laquanda Ross and her visits with her incarcerated friend, Joanne.
• What inspired Liza Jessie Peterson to write “The Peculiar Patriot”? Peterson’s two decades of work at Rikers Island, where she served as a teacher and counselor, provided the inspiration for the play.
• How did Lena Waithe become involved with “The Peculiar Patriot”? Waithe discovered Peterson’s work on Instagram and was deeply moved by her passion and message, leading her to support the play’s wider reach.
• Where can I see a performance of “The Peculiar Patriot”? The play is currently running at Baltimore Center Stage through November 9th.
• What is the significance of the play’s title, “The Peculiar Patriot”? The title is a deliberate play on words, questioning what it means to be a patriot and challenging conventional notions of freedom and justice.