Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Mervin Primeaux-OBryant. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Mervin, so excited to have you with us today. So much we can chat about, but one of the questions we are most interested in is how you have managed to keep your creativity alive.
I always prioritize maintaining my creativity, especially during stressful times. When faced with challenges that seem overwhelming, I take a moment to breathe deeply. It feels impossible to stay focused when my energy is draining, so the first thing on my mind is to escape to the beach.
Finding a quiet spot by the teal blue ocean, I let the soothing sounds of the waves moving back and forth rejuvenate me. The ocean’s rhythmic motion and the gentle splash of foamed waves near the beach’s edge create a sense of tranquility. I take in the beautiful array of colors from different seaweeds scattered along the shore. The beach, with its natural beauty, acts as a source of relaxation for me.
As my mind clears and my body reacts positively, I can begin to tap into my creativity. The key is to remain calm, taking deep breaths and listening to my body. I’ve learned that paying attention to the signals my body and spirit provide is crucial.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
I am Mervin Primeaux-O’Bryant, a visionary force hailing from Lafayette, Louisiana. I carry a legacy of resilience and artistry that transcends boundaries. Rising from the vibrant energy of the Moving South School of Performing Arts, my journey through the performing arts has been nothing short of extraordinary. My unparalleled commitment to excellence led me to refine my craft at the prestigious Model Secondary for the Deaf in Washington DC, where I trained under the tutelage of luminaries from the esteemed Alvin Ailey School and Dance Theater of Harlem. As a true polymath, I have etched my mark as a prolific writer, director, producer, and choreographer, leaving an indelible imprint on esteemed institutions such as Model Secondary School for the Deaf (MSSD), Quest Visual Theatre, and the San Antonio Deaf Dance Company. Notably, I serve as the co-producer of Hidden Gem, a groundbreaking, feature docuseries film in collaboration with TeddyBoy Films & Entertainment, igniting a transformative narrative that redefines Black-Deaf representation in the entertainment industry.
I have been recognized with the illustrious Invisible Hands Award and the Rainbow Alliance for the Deaf (LGBTQIA) Award. My profound impact extends beyond the stage. I have graced the world’s renowned dance companies with graceful finesse, including the illustrious Philadanco Dance Company, Pentimento International Dance Company, and Edgeworks Dance Theatre, leaving audiences spellbound with my transcendent performances. Currently, I hold the esteemed position of Assistant Director at Quest/Wings Company, renowned for their captivating mime performances that resonate with audiences worldwide. As a solo artist, I have woven powerful narratives through my directorial prowess, co-directing and starring in “Too of A Kind,” and embarking on the heartfelt journey of “Look Through My Eyes” and “Take Back My Power,” a testament to my commitment to amplifying marginalized voices and experiences.
Beyond the stage, my compassionate spirit shines through my dedicated role as the founder of the MPO Foundation, fostering crucial collaborations with non-profit organizations to empower BIPOC, Deaf, and Hard of Hearing, and HIV/AIDS communities. Additionally, as the co-founder of Def Lens Media, a Deaf-led brand marketing agency, I champion inclusive and accessible marketing, ensuring that every voice finds its rightful place in the spotlight.
My illustrious career has graced the towering billboards of Times Square and propelled me into lead roles in feature documentaries, cementing my status as a cultural icon. Armed with an Associate of Arts degree in Dance Performance and Choreography from the University of the Arts in Philadelphia, I continue to evolve as an artist, leaving an indelible imprint on the virtual stage and beyond, inviting the world to witness the transformative power of my unique vision.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Let me share my expensive tea story of my senior year in 1995. Looking back, I had big dreams of becoming a professional dancer in musical theatre, despite facing challenges as a deaf individual. At the time, Marica Freeman, a dance teacher, and Tim McCarty, my guardian parent and the Visual Artist Director of Theatre for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, were instrumental in believing in my potential. They worked at the former Model Secondary School for the Deaf in Washington D.C., where they encouraged me to pursue my dance career.
Growing up in Lafayette, Louisiana, I faced a lack of deaf education resources. Nevertheless, Marica and Tim’s support kept me on track. I eventually made my way to New York City, where I auditioned for both Juilliard College and New York University. While I was accepted into NYU as a dance major, unfortunately, Juilliard did not accommodate deaf individuals at that time.
Upon receiving the acceptance letter from NYU, I eagerly shared the news with my guardian parents. However, the financial hurdle loomed large. We applied for Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) in Maryland. During a meeting with a VR counselor, I presented the letter and sought assistance. Despite the counselor’s approval for me to attend college, the $45,000 NYU tuition proved insurmountable.The counselor suggested considering the University of the Arts in Philadelphia, which was more affordable at $25,000. Reluctantly, I accepted the offer, as VR could cover the tuition there. Frustration and confusion filled me as I wondered why I couldn’t attend NYU, which offered support for deaf individuals in theatre and musical theatre.
Years later, after graduating from the University of the Arts in 1998, I moved to Washington, D.C., feeling unsatisfied with my time in Philadelphia. A friend then enlightened me about the Americans with Disabilities Act, which protects the rights of individuals with disabilities. Reflecting on my journey, I wished I could turn back time and assert my right to pursue my passion at NYU, rather than letting the VR counselor dictate my path.I embraced gratitude for what I achieved. I proved that I could overcome challenges without the counselor’s help. The lesson learned: never let others make decisions for you. Everyone has the right to pursue their dreams without interference. Reclaiming my power, I share this story as a reminder to stand up for your dreams and not let anyone dictate what is and isn’t possible.
Adaptability: In a rapidly changing world, being adaptable is crucial. Whether it’s adapting to new technologies, changing job roles, or unexpected life events, those who can embrace change tend to thrive. How to develop/improve: Engage in continuous learning. Stay curious and open-minded. Seek out new experiences and challenges. Embrace failure as an opportunity to learn and grow. Communication Skills: Effective communication is key in both personal and professional settings. It helps build strong relationships, resolves conflicts and ensures that your ideas are understood and valued. Practice active listening. Hone your written and verbal communication skills. Seek feedback on your communication style and be willing to make adjustments. Join clubs, groups, or activities that involve teamwork and communication.
Resilience: Life is full of challenges, setbacks, and failures. Resilience helps individuals bounce back from adversity, maintain a positive outlook, and persevere in the face of difficulties. Cultivate a growth mindset, which involves viewing challenges as opportunities for learning and growth. Develop coping mechanisms for stress. Build a support system of friends, family, or mentors. Focus on building your self-esteem and confidence
Alright, so before we go we want to ask you to take a moment to reflect and share what you think you would do if you somehow knew you only had a decade of life left?
What a question?! When I think about my challenges, three major things come to mind. How much time do you have? LOL.A few years ago, my friend Maria presented me with a unique opportunity to be a Deaf Interpreter for NYC Pride’s Stonewall 50th-anniversary event at the Barclays Center. I would be interpreting for the renowned Billy Porter and other artists. It was a dream come true. He was my idol in many ways: Black, gay, a larger-than-life performer, and non-binary… just like me!
The post-show experience was amazing! While standing outside of his dressing room, Billy turned and said to me, “You are blessed and a blessing! Keep working towards your dream!” He saw me! He saw and acknowledged my gift. And I reverently acknowledged the ceilings that he shattered for me. And yet, when the high of the experience wore off, I realized that I, too, had ceilings to break. My ceiling was…is to bring Black deaf (non-binary) talent to mainstream visibility. We are too gifted a people to remain invisible. There are no stories written for us. Though the world is making inroads in including Deaf talent, as evidenced by the increase in deaf representation in commercials, pop-up appearances in TV shows, and films. But where are the people like me? The two spirits are the ones who straddle the line between male and female and don’t feel the need to choose between the two. This is my burden and an everyday challenge.Secondly, my deafness, as it relates to the world, is a constant challenge. I am a proud Deaf person, but the world is still so far from being accessible to me. With everything from the lack of interpreted safety instructions on airplanes to doctors’ offices refusing to pay for interpreters for my visits, I am consistently shown that my life and basic human needs don’t matter.Employers don’t want to hire me (us) because I come with a need for an interpreter (maybe), and they don’t want to take away from their bottom lines. It’s easier, and more convenient, to give a hearing person the job. And if I can’t get entry-level positions, how do I rise to positions of leadership within corporations to enact real change? Yet another ceiling.This question makes me think about my future. And when I picture it, I am painfully reminded that my father will never see it. Last year, he departed this world. Our past is checkered with so many layers and complications. But once we found our way to one another, there was only love. I had so many plans that I wanted to share with him and things I wanted him to see. His death nearly broke me. I was suicidal. The only thing that kept me was remembering that I have a husband, Carl, who loves and supports me. He has been and continues to be my rock. I have family in Louisiana and Florida that love me. Suicide would be selfish and would show them that their love isn’t bigger than my hurt. And that’s not true! Instead, with their continued love, support, and God’s grace, I will share my father’s powerful legacy with the world through an upcoming documentary film being produced in my life.I have to remind myself that I have a husband (Carl O’Bryant) who’s there and supports me, He is my rock and always there when I am vulnerable, He understands my grief. I have family who live in Louisiana and Florida. My work isn’t done yet until the community and I need to continue God’s work. But I have the power to carry my dad’s legacy. I have to celebrate my empowerment as I conquer my brief belief. I want to share the world of my dad, because my dad, his inner self, found the truth in the documentary film. We still have more to go to complete the film.My grief is still very present. But it’s getting to be more and more manageable with each day and every hug that comes from someone that I love and loves me back. I thrive on every opportunity to become more than I have ever been before.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.mervinprimeauxobryant.com
- Instagram: mervinobryant
- Facebook: Mervin Primeaux-OBryant
- Twitter: mervinprimeaux1
- Youtube: Mervin Primeaux-OBryant
- Other: https://linktr.ee/MPOFoundation Instagram: mpofoundation
Image Credits
1. Mervin Primeaux-OBryant 2. Mervin Primeaux- OBryany (left) Billy Porter (Center) Suzanne Lightbourn (right) 3. Mervin Primeaux- OBryany (left) Billy Porter (Center) Suzanne Lightbourn (right) (talking to each other) 4. Paul Davis (my Dad) (left) Mervin Primeaux-OBryant (right) 5. Pau Davis (left) Mervin Primeaux-OBryant (right) (hugs) 6. Heather Beck (left) Mervin Primeaux-OBryant (center) Nicki Runge (right) 7. Mervin Primeaux-OBryant plays the role of Maude in the Music Man 8. Mervin Primeaux-OBryant left and Dylan Thomas (center) Sarah Reighley (The Music Man’s family) 9. Brandon Maddox (left) and Mervin Primeaux-OBryant (right) “Midnight Train to Georgia” 10. Mervin Primeaux-OBryant (right) “Midnight Train to Georgia” 11. Mervin Primeaux-OBryant (left) (Fairy Godmother) and Sandra Mae Frank (right) (Cinderella) Roger and Hammerstein Cinderella 12. Mervin Primeaux-OBryant (left) (Fairy Godmother) Roger and Hammerstein 13. Mervin Primeaux-OBryant (left) (Fairy Godmother)Roger and Hammerstein (There is music in you ASL Performer) 14. Mervin Primeaux-OBryant at the Helen Hayes Awards Theatre Washington 15. Mervin Primeaux-OBryant (left) and Carl OBryant (right)”Married couple” 16 Carl OBryant (left) and Mervin Primeaux-OBryant (right) “Married couple”
