Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Eileen Morris. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hi Eileen, thanks for joining us today. When did you first know you wanted to pursue a creative/artistic path professionally?
I was born in Chicago, Illinois and raised 60 miles south of Chicago in Pembroke Township. I went to Catholic schools all my life. In grade school at St. Pat’s Academy (1 to 8th grade), we had a preliminary drama program, and they were going to be auditioning for the play, Snow White. I was in 5th grade- a pivotal point in my life because up until that point I wanted to be a nun- and those adolescent changes made me think that maybe a nun wouldn’t be the best route for me. So, I thought, “I really like acting- I could do this!’ The nuns, however, told me that I shouldn’t audition for the title character because Snow White was, well, WHITE- and they didn’t think it would be in my best interest. I knew even as a child that I wouldn’t let anyone tell me what I can or can’t do – so I auditioned and because I was the best person for the role- I got the part! So that’s when I decided to be in theatre and to become an actress. And that’s what I always wanted, specifically- to be an actress. Of course, now I am a well-rounded artist and have experienced the full breath of what art in the theatre can become, but that 5th grade experience is when I first knew the path I wanted to take.
Eileen, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
I started auditioning every time that there was a play. In high school at Bishop McNamara High School, I decided that when I went to college, which definitely was going to happen, that I wanted to major in theatre and so I told my parents. My mom said ‘okay’, but only if I had a substantial minor. I chose Theatre Arts Comprehensive as my major, and English as a minor. In my mom’s mind, if I couldn’t make it in theatre, I could become an English teacher. If I had to say anything about my entire life and trajectory thus far, I would use one word: preparation. My parents sacrificed a lot to send their seven kids to Catholic school. I learned how to be self-sufficient, volunteer in the community, take care of our family unit, and be truthful, take care if your business, and be fair to people. Those were the values instilled in me in my youth. My parents raised us to be well rounded- I wasn’t just a girl that learned household chores, I had to learn and do everything- how to do balance the finances, yard work, farming, making family decisions, etc. My life as an artist has been about ‘how do I prepare myself for what I want to do?’
Taking those values and forging that with my career as an artist, when I started working at The Ensemble Theatre with founder George Hawkins, I began as a volunteer. I often say that George saw in me qualities that I did not see in myself: organizational skills, taking direction, good work ethic, ability to work with a diverse group of people, a passion for the ART. Tools he felt that would enhance what he needed to do in order to move the theatre forward. As an actor, I would use research to perfect the character- talking to people, studying characters, reading and dissecting the language. I use that in my directing as well- dissecting and uncovering those tiny details! I love matching up the right people with the right job, from the creative team to the designers to the actors- curating the best group of people for a particular piece that is going to bring the art to the community in the best and most dynamic way possible.
When I create, in whatever way that is- special projects, directing, acting- I want people to see themselves in what is being presented. I want people to experience community, feel truth, and acknowledge the shared experiences across humanity.
Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?
There were two pivotal times in my life in which resilience was key in my progression. The first was when I was 19 years old, a junior in college. That was one of the hardest years of my collegiate career. I finished high school and college in 3 ½ years. For some reason I felt in my spirit that I had things I needed to do, and that’s why advanced through school more quickly than usual. That year, I was taking 21 hours and wasn’t awarded any financial aid. My mother and father divorced that year after 21 years of marriage. And my maternal grandfather passed. All of these trying situations in less than one year gave me insight on how to maneuver and manage the things that life presents; money, education, family dynamics and basic living.
Fast forwarding to working as Artistic Director for 9 years, after George’s passing, it was in 1999 that the Board decided they wanted to move in another direction, and I was no longer going to serve in that role. This came at a time that didn’t make sense to me, but obviously what the Board felt was best for the institution. I felt like the theatre was progressing in the direction of national recognition. Just 6 months prior, I had gone through a divorce after 21 years of marriage. What life was dealing me, I could not understand. Having lost my job and my marriage, I moved to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and started working with another Black theatre, Kuntu RepertoryTheatre. I began to know myself as a woman, a black woman, as an artist. I started purposefully learning more about myself and my personal contribution to work, to humanity and to the world! I was able to find hope, new beginnings and ultimately, healing. Healing being the most important and it was key in developing my resilience. Seven years later I was asked to apply for the Artistic Director of The Ensemble Theatre again, and I was hired back. The world can bring you back in full circle with what is your destiny, your purpose and your calling. I have been at the theatre in this position ever since.
Looking at my journey as an artist I recall my maternal grandmother, a creole woman, when she found out I was majoring in theatre in college, would say in her creole broken English, “Oh, ma cher, why you wanna waste your mama’s money?” My eyes fill with tears because I wish she could see me now!
What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?
Be open and understand that people have different perspectives and ways that they choose careers and make a living. Being an artist is not a traditional way that the Europeans or America or the world at large looks to make a living. It’s not always a 9 to 5 and you get paid very differently. Be open to and understanding of the ways that we have to make a living. Providing universal funding so that artists can make a living wage, not only with dollars, but also in health insurance. It is important that there are more platforms for artists to perfect their craft. This is the reason The Ensemble Theatre was founded, because George Hawkins wanted there to be a place where black artists could train, perform and perfect their skills. Today there are more opportunities, but it is still not as prominent as with traditional jobs. What happens is that people on the outside judge when they should not. Everyone should be given opportunities to find their own way. People consume and experience art every day and I wish that they would understand the full journey of an artist, complete with struggle, pain, sacrifice, and very hard work that goes into creating.
Contact Info:
- Website: ensemblehouston.com
- Instagram: @tet_houston
- Facebook: facebook.com/TETMidtownHouston
- Twitter: @tet_houston
- Youtube: TheEnsembleTheatreHTX
Image Credits
George Hawkins & Eileen J. Morris