Photo: Allan Weeks
The Peculiar Patriot, produced by MAPP International Productions, is a multimedia one-woman show written and performed by actress, spoken word artist and mass incarceration activist Liza Jessie Peterson. Interweaving multiple stories from her own experiences and observations over more than a decade working in and around the prison system, The Peculiar Patriot’s story follows protagonist Betsy LaQuanda Ross over a series of visits to her incarcerated best friend. As Betsy shares family milestones and neighborhood gossip, her stories reveal a shrewd indictment of the criminal justice system, delivered in Peterson's own authentic and inimitable style.
Post-show dialogues moderated by cross-disciplinary artist Duron Jackson (Fri) and dramaturg Talvin Wilks (Sat).
Work Sample
Artist Bio
LIZA JESSIE PETERSON is a New York-based writer and performer, perhaps best known for her performance poetry work. Liza began her career at the Nuyorican Poets Café in the mid-90’s and was vital to this underground slam movement, a precursor to Russell Simmons’ Def Poetry Jam, on which Liza appeared twice. As an actress she has worked with Spike Lee, K. Shalini and Jamie Catto. Liza has written six plays including CHIRON’S HOMEGIRL HEALER HOWLS: A ONE WOMAN FUNK OPERA, and have been seen at venues like Brown University, Whitney Museum, Joe’s Pub, and Bam Café to name a few. She brought early stages of her current piece, THE PECULIAR PATRIOT, to over 35 jails and penitentiaries nationwide. PATRIOT received development support from The Lark Theater and Penumbra Theatre, among others. Liza has been teaching creative writing, poetry and theatre to urban and incarcerated youth for more than 15 years.
BRIClab is a commissioning and residency development program for both emerging and established local artists to explore and expand the possibilities of their work in music, dance, theater and multi-disciplinary performance.
Venue Information:
The intimate, flexible studio space within BRIC House is dedicated to emerging and mid-career artists, with an audience capacity of 50-75 for rehearsals and performances in a workshop setting.
Beginning Nov. 1, 2022, attendees of any BRIC House programming will no longer have to show proof of vaccination or a negative test to enter the building. Masks are encouraged but not required in all BRIC operated spaces. If you have questions regarding this protocol, please email Safety@bricartsmedia.org