Kathmandu— Writer and actress Liza Jessie Peterson performed her one-woman show, “The Peculiar Patriot,” at the Louisiana State Penitentiary, commonly known as Angola Prison, a site with historical ties to plantation labor. The performance was unexpectedly stopped by authorities, leading Peterson and Norris Henderson, founder of VOTE (Voice of the Experienced), to believe it was due to the play’s challenging message about contemporary prison labor resembling slavery; their story is now chronicled in the documentary “Angola Do You Hear Us?” which is currently streaming on Paramount+.

Historical Context of Angola Prison

Angola Prison stands on the grounds of a former plantation, a fact not lost on those who have experienced its confines. Norris Henderson, founder and executive director of VOTE, recalls picking cotton there as an inmate, highlighting the prison’s deep-rooted connection to forced labor. This history informed Peterson's decision to perform at Angola, believing it was the most fitting location for her show exploring similar themes.

Silencing a Message

Peterson believes her performance threatened those in power because it resonated with inmates and exposed uncomfortable truths about prison labor. She suggests that her message of modern-day slavery “woke up sleeping giants” and prompted the authorities to intervene, cutting the show short mid-performance. The documentary ‘Angola Do You Hear Us?’ details these events and explores the reasons behind the silencing.

Aubin Pictures' Commitment to Impact

The film is a production of Aubin Pictures, which is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year. Founder Catherine Gund describes her company as an “impact production company,” utilizing journalism, reporting, and multimedia to make social justice issues more engaging. She views art and activism as intrinsically linked, stating that artists envision worlds that do not yet exist.

Hope Through Art and Activism

Gund emphasizes the power of both artistic expression and dedicated activism in driving societal change. According to Gund, activists work tirelessly towards a better future, while artists imagine what that future could look like. She defines hope as “believing that [a different world] exists and that we can have a role in making it.”

Peterson is retiring from performing ‘The Peculiar Patriot’ after 25 years, but the play will continue with other performers, ensuring its message endures.

(With inputs from CounterPunch)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.