A 60 minute solo show described as a 

21st Century ‘On The Road’ meets ‘Folsom Prison Blues’ 

Written & Performed by Matt Butler

Directed by Richard Hoehler

“Reckless Son is one of the most powerful performances I've seen.  It's true healing through art.”

-Kevin Brost, Artistic Programs Manager, Kentucky Performing Arts

Reckless Son, the nationally acclaimed solo show written and performed by singer-songwriter Matt Butler, was inspired by his journey performing over 100 concerts in jails and prisons across the country. As heard on NPR Morning Edition and featured in SPIN’s Albums of the Year list, Reckless Son sheds light on the stories of people who have experienced incarceration.  Through a powerful combination of spoken word and song, the performance turns a compassionate eye to their lives before, during and after their time behind prison walls and evokes empathy and understanding for those who are all too often considered out of sight and out of mind. It’s a story of hope, forgiveness, and what it means to discover a deeper sense of purpose through service to others. Raising awareness, shifting perspectives, and empowering individuals to create change within their communities, Reckless Son is more than just a show, it's a calling.

Reckless Son was developed in part by the HB Studio Artist Residency Program and was workshopped in Oregon State Penitentiary, The Theater Workshop at Otisville State Prison, and the Chesterfield County Jail.  For additional impact, Reckless Son can be presented as a residency including: 

• Community engagement performances and workshops at correctional facilities, addiction treatment centers, reentry programs, schools and more.
• Post-show Q&A, panel discussions and community resource fairs.
• Student study guide that supports curriculum standards in ELA, Social Studies, SEL and the Arts.
• Resource guide for how Reckless Son can meet criteria for Continuing Education Units (CEUs), Continuing Medical Education (CME) and other professional development credits.