Emmy winner Joe Morton takes the stage as Dick Gregory

Joe Morton, who recently won an Emmy for his portrayal of Eli Pope on ABC’s “Scandal,” has returned to the New York stage, playing stand-up comedian and activist Dick Gregory in “Turn Me Loose” at the Westside Theatre, 407 W. 43rd St. The play, written by Gretchen Law, is presented by John Legend and Get Lifted Film Company. Legend, who is one of the producers, also composed an original song for the play. The show opens May 19. Morton took the time to speak with the AmNews about his return to the New York stage after five years and his new role.

AmNews: How does it feel to be back after five years?

JM: It feels wonderful being back in the city and back on stage, especially doing a play about Dick Gregory. There’s almost nothing more exciting than doing a play in NYC. The energy of the city feeds the play.

What attracted you to this role?

The life of Dick Gregory. Dick is truly a one of a kind and the last of a generation who fought and continues to fight for civil rights. His humor is spectacular, as is his view of the world.

What is the challenge playing Dick Gregory and how did you prepare to take this role on?

The greatest challenge was to build a character who is a stand-up comedian. Stand-up is a very difficult thing to accomplish. Also, creating a clear distinction between Mr. Gregory in his 20s and in his 80s was a considerable task, physically and vocally. My preparation was to read his biography, listen to his albums and study his appearances vis-a-vis YouTube, and then apply what I saw/learned to the character in the script … although this is not a Dick Gregory impersonation. This is an embodiment/interpretation of who I think this character is.

Have you spoken to Mr. Gregory, now 83 years old, and is there an added pressure portraying someone who is still alive and still an activist?

I have spoken with Mr. Gregory on a few different occasions. There is always pressure playing someone who is still alive because you are, in some ways, responsible to tell their truth. And truth is sometimes a relative entity, and always evolving.

As you researched Mr. Gregory’s life, what stood out for you and what aspects of his life do you want to convey through your character?

Mr. Gregory accomplished some very different and distinct careers. He is/was a celebrated comedian. He was on the front lines and in-and-out of jail, right alongside Martin Luther King Jr. and Medgar Evers, as one of the leaders of the Civil Rights Movement. His fasting as protest led him to discover astonishingly new approaches to health that has not only allowed him to maintain a high standard of health for himself and others, but he beat, with his own health care regimen, a cancer that threatened his life. And finally, he is a man who is ferociously trying to get his message of truth as information out there in the time he has left.

Mr. Gregory was the first Black stand-up to focus on the issue of bigotry with white audiences. How important do you think that was?

Humor is a very powerful weapon against the irrationality of bigotry. It points out and underscores the absurdity of racial bias by stressing the mutual humanity we all share.

How did Mr. Gregory transition from stand-up to his dedication to activism?

In our play, you will be witness to Mr. Gregory’s determination to become a comedic star, his attempt to become part of the Movement while attempting to maintain his status as a celebrity, until finally he decides that his principal purpose in life is to speak the truth and expose the tricks of political and corporate power and greed.

What change happened that caused him to dedicate his life to activism, and what was it like for him to join Dr. King and others in the fight for civil rights?

My guess is that Medgar Evers’ life and sudden death had an enormous influence on Mr. Gregory’s decision to pursue activism full time. Our title, ‘Turn Me Loose,’ are the last words Medgar spoke before he died.

For a person to be successful in their chosen profession and to leave it to put themselves in harms way for a cause, what does that say about the person?

The Civil Rights Movement was a great deal more than just a cause. It was a time in this country when Black people all across this nation stood up and fought with every means necessary for their rights as American citizens. Black folks wanted equal schools, jobs and housing. They fought for the right to vote without interference or having to take a test in order to vote. So, for Dick Gregory to give up wealth and celebrity to serve his fellow human beings is the sign of an extraordinary human being.

What does it mean to you that John Legend is one of the producers?

I can’t speak for John Legend, but I believe his recognition of Dick Gregory’s genius and commitment to the Movement compelled him to become part of an effort to tell his story.

What do you want audiences to come away with about Mr. Gregory?

I think Dick Gregory’s story is irresistible, humorous and inspirational. I also think ‘Turn Me Loose’ is in some ways a call to action, a call for us all to recognize who we are and what we can do, even in the smallest ways, to improve the quality of life for all Americans.

Is there any cause that you support strongly, and why?

There are many causes that I wish I could devote my time and effort toward, i.e., Black Lives Matter, Yes We Code, various food banks and literacy programs. I have spent some time supporting Make Some Noise for Kids Cancer, an organization founded by a young man, Malcolm Sutherland-Foggio, to combat pediatric cancer. He himself was diagnosed with cancer eight years ago when he was 11. He is now 19. He, like Mr. Gregory, is a survivor.

For more information, visit www.turnmelooseplay.com.