RIC Alumna Brings Original Play to London’s Camden Fringe Festival

Just four years after graduating from Rhode Island College, Olivia Merritt ’22 is making her London debut as more than an actor. The RIC alumna co-wrote, produced, directed and stars in Bastards, an original play premiering this August at the Camden Fringe Festival, one of England’s largest independent theatre festivals.

For Merritt, the production represents something even bigger: the opportunity to put into practice every aspect of theatre she learned during her time at Rhode Island College, where she studied not only acting but also costumes, lighting, set construction and backstage production.

“My experience at RIC has been beneficial to creating my own show,” says Merritt. “Such broad training literally increases your view of an intense industry. RIC helps build the confidence to not put yourself into one box. It is essential to gain as much skill as you can from all different parts of theatre to really have a firm appreciation for it.”

Following her graduation from Rhode Island College in 2022, Merritt moved to London for graduate drama school. There she met fellow student Laura Ann Peterson, and the two quickly bonded over a shared interest in American history. A recommendation from Peterson’s father introduced them to My Thoughts Be Bloody by Nina Titone, a book that explores the relationship between actor Edwin Booth and his brother, John Wilkes Booth. That immediately captured their imagination and the idea for Bastards was born.

“We were fascinated by how theatrical their story really was,” says Merritt. “There’s jealousy, intrigue, bigotry and a lot of Shakespeare.”

The story became the basis for their final thesis project, which required them to write a 30-minute play. The first version of Bastards took shape. Since then, the project has grown into a full-scale production, challenging Merritt in ways she never anticipated; taking on multiple responsibilities as co-writer, producer, director and performer.

“I’d never been a writer, a producer or a director before in my life. It’s a lot of first times happening at once,” she says. “Producing is the most challenging, incredibly important for any production and has taught me a lot of things – like the ‘business’ side to creating a play – but for me it’s very difficult just sitting for hours focusing on finances and marketing. I just want to get up and move.”

Fortunately, she has not had to navigate those challenges alone. “I couldn’t have asked for a better creative partner than Laura Ann Peterson,” says Merritt.

Peterson reflects on their partnership and on Merritt’s willingness to embrace every aspect of the production, one of her greatest strengths.

“Whether we were debating the use of a single word in the script, planning marketing TikToks or crunching budget numbers, she is always thinking about how each and every decision serves both the story and the audience,” says Peterson. “Olivia never looks for an easy solution. She looks for the best one.”

“She has the rare ability of making people feel challenged and supported at the same time,” Peterson continues. “Her generosity has not only made me a better actor and artist, but positively impacted the way I show up as a collaborator and a person.”

The reality of bringing Bastards to an international audience became clear once the production secured its venue and officially joined the Camden Fringe lineup.

“I’m sure that feeling will happen again once we put it up in front of the world,” Merritt says.

For Merritt, Bastards marks more than a debut at a prestigious international festival. It is the culmination of years spent learning that great theatre is not created by only one role. For her, the production is another example of the personal growth that followed from her decision to move overseas and remain in London to build a career.

“It has reshaped how I see myself,” she says. “It’s proof that I have the capability to create something off the stage.”

Looking back at the student who graduated from Rhode Island College in 2022, Merritt laughs at how unlikely this moment would have seemed. Her advice to her younger self is simple: “Hang on a little longer, keep reading and annotating your books. And get your passport, NOW.”

Also see “Theatre Alum Receives Sir John Gielgud Bursary Award"

Learn more about RIC’s Theatre B.A. and Dance Performance B.A. programs.