TTB: Would you share with us some of your theatrical background?
Mercy Roberts: My first professional show was Fun Home at American Stage during the Summer of 2019. My first role was Tinkerbell in Peter Pan when I was 9 years old at Corbett Prep. I got to open the show while swinging from the ceiling on a flying rig. It was a blast and really got me excited about doing every show I could from then on. At Corbett some of my favorite roles were Annie, Cinderella, and Ti Moune in Once on this Island. In high school at Berkeley Prep, I have done every show since my Freshman year. My favorite roles have been Reggie Fluty in The Laramie Project and Anna Karenina in Anna Karenina. We will be doing Newsies soon, and I am playing Les, so that should be a lot of fun.
TTB: Is this your first experience with Stageworks Theatre?
Mercy: Yes, but I met Karla Hartley in 2019 when she cast me as Small Alison in Fun Home. I feel very fortunate to work with her again. She is amazing and has helped me be a better actress in so many ways.
TTB: Anne Frank is an iconic figure who represents hope and innocence during one of the darkest times in human history. Would you share with us your initial thoughts and feeling on taking on the responsibilities of portraying Anne Frank?
Mercy: I definitely felt the pressure to do justice to her and this important moment in history. The research for the role was intense and definitely took a toll on me emotionally. This is one of the hardest shows I have ever done. Anne was so intelligent, bright, and courageous. In the face of such uncertainty and terror, she found ways to be happy and cheerful. Learning so much about her has been a gift. She is a great reminder that – as we note in the show – young people have important things to say too.
TTB: What are your thoughts on how the time and story of The Diary of Anne Frank may reflect/compare to the state of the world in 2022? Specifically on how humans treat each other regarding our differences/similarities.
Mercy: Oppression and discrimination are happening everywhere. This can make us angry, sad, and frustrated, but it still feels distant for many of us. This story pulls us closer. It reminds us that we have to stand up for each other. We have to accept each others’ differences — not ignore them. We have to love each other despite those differences.
TTB: What are your hopes for audience members to take with them having experience Stageworks production of The Diary of Anne Frank? Why is it essential for the audience to experience Stageworks’ production of The Diary of Anne Frank?
Mercy: I think it is important for people to see this show because it gives them a new lens on this important historical event. The power of this one story helps it not feel so big and unbelievable. It helps us zone in on this innocent girl and see her wisdom, experience, insight, joy, hopes, and humanity. It helps us look past our arguments, conflicts, and differences and instead focus on the many things we have in common.
I think this production is special because everyone can connect to Anne Frank in some way. She’s still so relatable, and that is powerful. We need to see the injustice they suffered and the terror they felt. Theatre is such a powerful way to do that.
The Diary of Anne Frank is TTB Recommended at Stageworks Theatre through February 20