Eileen J. Morris Eileen J. Morris is artistic director of The Ensemble Theatre. She worked closely founder, George W. Hawkins, from 1982 until his death in 1990. From 1990 to 1999 she served as artistic director.

She left Houston in 1999 to work with the University of Pittsburgh’s Black theatre company Kuntu Repertory Theatre.  She has served on several boards and panels during her 30 years as an artist and has held the offices of president, immediate past president, vice-president and secretary with the national organization, Black Theatre Network from 1994–2004. She has produced over 72 productions, including four world premieres and 50 regional productions.

In 2007, The Ensemble Theatre was named Best Theatre by the Houston Press and 2007 Best Showcase for African American Actors. The Ensemble Theatre produced two August Wilson plays named as the Best of Houston Theatre 2008.

Her directing credits include The Man Who Saved New Orleans by Houston playwright, Thomas Meloncon, August Wilson’s Radio Golf, Ashes to Africa, Sty of the Blind Pig (Giorgee Award winner, Best Production, 2008), and Blue at The Ensemble Theatre and at New Horizon Theatre in Pittsburgh (Onyx Award for Best Director, 2004), Christmas is Comin’ Uptown, Joe Turner’s Come and Gone at The Ensemble Theatre and at the Pittsburgh Playwright’s Theatre (Best Director mention), American Menu, Crumbs From the Table of Joy, The Dance on Widow’s Row, Get Ready, Dancing on Moonlight at Pittsburgh’s New Horizon Theatre, Jonathan, Fences (Best Director, African American Council on the Arts, 2005), Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom at Pittsburgh Playwright’s Theatre, A Love Song for Mumia, Murderer on the Hill District, Liftin’ and Flyin’ West at the Kuntu repertory Theatre and A Black History Celebration, featuring Irma P. Hall, at Pittsburgh’s City Theatre.

We salute Eileen J. Morris as this week’s Living Legend and invite you to send in who you think will make a good Living Legend and why they should be honored.