Debbi Morgan, the popular actress who
is co-chairing this year's National Black
Theatre Festival, just saw the realization of
a longtime goal. Her book, "The Monkey on My
Back: A Memoir?' was released in June; she had
been working on the project for many years. Along
the way, she developed an acclaimed one-woman
show - "The Monkey on My Back! (An Intimate
Evening with Debbi Morgan)." Her Bowie, Md
based Dam Entertainment brought the show to
the 2013 NBTF. It is back again this year.
On stage, like in the book, Morgan takes her fans
on a deeply personal journey through her family's
long legacy of abuse and fear, detailing the effects
that legacy has had on three generations of
women - her grandmother, her mother and
Morgan herself. The candid play is emotional
and, at times, painful, but there are also bits of '
humor. Morgan, one of the best actresses in the
business, captivates her audience and shows
why she has had such a long and successful career.
Morgan, who was born in Dunn, N.C., started acting in high scnooi proaucuons wnen
she was 15. She was still a teenager when she joined New York's Players Workshop
and the New Federal Theater Company. She tested her fortunes in Hollywood when
she was in her 20s and quickly landed roles on "Good Times" and in the landmark
miniseries "Roots."
She is best known for "All My Children," on which she played Angie Baxter Hubbard for
many years. The role earned her a Daytime Emmy in 1989. Among her many other honors
is a NAACP Image Award for her recurring
role on "Soul Food" and an Independent
Spirit Award for the film "Eve's Bayou." On
the big screen, Morgan has starred opposite
some of Hollywood's most popular leading
men, including Denzel Washington
("The Hurricane") and Samuel L. Jackson
("Coach Carter").
"The Monkey on My Back" is directed by
Denise Dowse, who will be ubiquitous at this
year's NBTF, as an actress in "Sassy Mamas"
and director of "The Homecoming." ?
r The Monkey
on My Back!
(An Intimate Evening
with Debbi Morgan)
Reynolda House
Museum of
American Art
Thurs, Aug. 6 3 p.m.
Thurs, Aug. 6 8 p.m.
Fri. Aug. 7 8 p.m.
Sat. Aug. 8 3 p.m.
$43 J
Debbi Morgan's memoir is
available in stores and online at
popular sites like Amazon.
i
I
?
Denise Dowse
The art of
performance
draws our eyes
to the stage
Our community's commitment to arts and culture says a
lot about where we live. Theater brings us together from the
moment the lights go down and the curtains come up.
We proudly celebrate the National Black Theater Featival.
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