Nina Angela Mercer's 'Gypsy and the Bully Door' at the Davis Performing Arts Center

In the heart of Washington, D.C.'s vibrant artistic scene, playwright, author, and professor Nina Angela Mercer stands as a beacon of creative brilliance. With a stellar career at esteemed institutions like Georgetown University, Howard University, and American University, Mercer recently brought her play, "Gypsy & The Bully Door," to the stage at the Devine Studio Theatre within the Davis Performing Arts Center on October 8th.

The play's narrative is a testament to Mercer's storytelling prowess, taking audiences on a compelling journey. "Gypsy & the Bully Door" unfolds a gripping tale of passion, music, and resilience in the face of adversity across two cities, all while immersing itself in the pulsating energy of Go-Go music. Mercer initially penned this play over a decade ago but has breathed new life into it with a fresh ensemble and revitalized energy, under the direction of her long-time collaborator, Eric Ruffin.

While Mercer's name is synonymous with excellence, her impressive body of work extends far beyond "Gypsy & The Bully Door." Critically acclaimed plays like "GUTTA BEAUTIFUL" and "ITAGUA MEJI: A Road & A Prayer" have showcased her creative genius in renowned venues such as The Warehouse Theatre, DC's Fringe Festival at The Woolly Mammoth, Abrons Arts Center, Little Carib Theatre, and The Nuyorican Poets Café, consistently captivating audiences with her diverse and thought-provoking narratives.

During a recent interview on the Afrobeat Orbit Radio Show, broadcasted on WOWD, 94.3 FM, Nina Angela Mercer explored the spiritual essence of Go-Go music within her play, "Gypsy and the Bully Door." During the conversation, she recounted a captivating story about a recent live music event featuring one of Washington D.C.'s acclaimed Go-Go bands. Her narrative offered a mesmerizing glimpse into the dynamic energy of the performance and the inspiration driving her creative work. Joining her on the show were Matthew 'Swamp Guinee' Miller, the play's Music Director, Composer Dave Blackwell, and Dior Ashley Brown, a prominent MC and community activist who portrays the Mayor in the play. Together, they illuminated the cultural significance of Mercer's creation in the cherished city of DC,

The Davis Performing Arts Center, where Mercer's play came to life, boasts a remarkable legacy of over fifteen years dedicated to performance, activism, interdisciplinary scholarship, diversity, and collaboration. The center consistently pushes artistic boundaries by hosting cutting-edge productions that prioritize risk-taking and embrace diversity. It serves as a platform for new works, DC premieres, contemporary plays, and student-driven productions. Through its partnerships with nationally renowned artists, and on-campus programs, the center fosters a thriving artistic community, deeply committed to collaboration.

Natsu Onoda Power, the Director of the center, expressed the overwhelming support and response from multiple communities for the season's Go-Go infused/inspired projects. These projects have drawn contributions from musicians, activists, journalists, scholars, educators, and devoted fans who have generously shared their knowledge and expertise. The center is also producing two other Go-Go inspired projects, 'Making the Go Go Band,' a collaboration with the Black Theater Ensemble, and "I am Going to the Go Go, The Clearing, Part II," curated by Professor Soyica Colbert, a recipient of this year's Guggenheim Fellowship.

While the Davis Performing Arts Center played a crucial role in bringing Mercer's vision to life, it is the undeniable brilliance of "Gypsy and the Bully Door" that took center stage. The play's triumph lies not just in the vibrant arts scene cultivated by the center, but in Mercer's skillful navigation of narrative and cultural resonance within the dynamic landscape of theater.

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