Her regular visits to loved ones in various upstate institutions have made her quite the expert and a self-proclaimed “Peculiar Patriot.” In-between neighborhood updates and gossip, Betsy educates herself and the audience on the systemic inequity within America’s prison complex system and its effect on those behind bars, as well as their family and friends. Written and performed by the incomparable Liza Jessie Peterson, The Peculiar Patriot was inspired by her comprehensive and extensive work in prisons, including on Riker’s Island. Peterson’s tour de force solo piece is an important, funny, and profound investigative look into America’s criminal justice system.

The Peculiar Patriot marks the first time Detroit Public Theatre and Shakespeare in Prison are directly connecting a DPT production with our signature community program—through the play itself and a post-show dialogue after every performance.