Culture

The Anna Jinja Show: Bruce Dalzell and Merri Biechler

By: WOUB Culture Team
Posted on: Tuesday, February 18, 2025

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ATHENS, Ohio (WOUB) – In this episode of The Anna Jinja Show, Anna interviews musician Bruce Dalzell and playwright Merri Biechler.

Dalzell hails from the picturesque hills of Athens County, where the traditional Appalachian culture meets the vibrant energy of a large university. Describing himself as a blend of “hillbilly and crooner,” Dalzell’s journey through music has been shaped by the narratives of his upbringing.

In this episode, Bruce performs his original song Paper, inspired by Biechler’s personal adoption story. The song dives deep into the emotional complexities of identity, grief, and the longing for connection.

Merri Biechler is a critically acclaimed playwright and the Director of the School of Theater at Ohio University. Her accolades include the Ohio Arts Council Individual Excellence Award, and her extensive experience as an actor adds another layer to her storytelling craft.

During the episode, Biechler reflects on her adoption journey and the weight of the “pile of paper” that represents her search for her biological family. This metaphor captures the emotional landscape of many adoptees, inviting listeners to engage with their own narratives of belonging.