Hamlet calls death "the undiscovered country," a mysterious land from which no one returns. Host Michael Rhynes repurposes the concept to highlight the invisibility and disenfranchisement of prison populations. Although incarcerated people are all around us, they are largely invisible to us, their humanity erased.

Michael was wrongfully incarcerated in New York State for 39 years and was exonerated in 2023. While in prison he published poetry and started a theatre troupe. He brings his wealth of lived experience to discussions of incarceration, re-entry, and criminal justice. The project aims to elevate the voices of incarcerated New Yorkers and restore what's lost to all of us when people are sent to the "Undiscovered Country."

The program is under development but has already aired some preliminary episodes. It's a partnership between WRFI, Prisoner Express,and Civic Ensemble's Re-Entry Theatre project. To support the Undiscovered Country, please contact Felix Teitelbaum at WRFI.