Morsell masters acting as Douglass

Heidi Hochstetler
Staff Writer
April 29, 2004, Page 7

He is electrifying on stage. His lyrical voice resonates through the auditorium and holds the audience in rapt attention. In period costume and the trademark lion’s-mane hair, Fred Morsell is Frederick Douglass.
Morsell performed his one-person play, “Presenting Mr. Frederick Douglass,” in Heckman Auditorium on Friday and Saturday as part of Doane’s 10th annual Multicultural Fair.
Backstage, the Douglass illusion fades as Morsell packs the pocket watch and eye glasses into meticulously organized plastic storage containers. The wig comes off, too, revealing Morsell’s own shock of gray hair.
“It’s the wig that seals the character,” Morsell said. For the last 20 years, Morsell has been immersed in the life of Douglass, an experience he said has changed his life.
“I have learned a great deal about myself, Douglass and human nature,” he said.
Morsell said he hopes the audience learns a lot, too. He describes his job as an actor as similar to that of a teacher. In Morsell’s interpretation, the message of Frederick Douglass is learning how to take accountability for ourselves.
“It is very important that people understand the civil rights movement, the truth of history and recognize the importance of fighting for what we have today,” Morsell said.
Over the years, Morsell said that his performance has changed and matured as he learned more of the details of Douglass’ life. He said he keeps the material fresh by paying close attention to the audience and making split-second decisions about which parts to include or leave out.