Who We Are
Ocean Ana Rising, Inc. holds a vision of a world where theater and performance catalyze dialogue through radical play and experimentation. We envision a world in which challenging questions are asked through story-sharing and witnessing in a mutual exploration of humanity. We believe in social change as an inevitable truth of life throughout generations; and we envision a world where the arts and artists are valued contributors to such change, where the arts can be shared throughout our community as a possible tool and technology for intervention and reflection.
OAR makes spaces where freedom is centered as a life practice, where difference is celebrated and all stories hold value. We endeavor to build collaborations with our communities, emphasizing the practice of co-creation and interdependence. None of us are free until all of us are free. We are our own best resources and experts when we amplify spaces that celebrate the fullness of who we are in our uniqueness and kinship.
Meet The Team
Nina Angela Mercer
Co-founder and Creative Executive Director
Tanisha Christie
Special Projects Advisor
Meet The Board
Medina Candise Mercer
Product Operations Director, Maurices
Yvonne Mendez
Programming Director, The Yard;
Arts Presenter & Producer
Janis J. James, DDS
Associate Professor of Dentistry
Howard University - Dental College
Tiffany Johnson
Certified Public Accountant
Eric Ruffin
Associate Professor,
Department of Theatre Arts, Chadwick Boseman College of Fine Arts, Howard University
Kimani Fowlin
Associate Professor, Department of Theatre and Dance, Drew University