In OSF’s production of ‘Fat Ham,’ the young actor brings energy and humor to a Pulitzer-winning play inspired by ‘Hamlet’

By Jim Flint

If all goes according to plan, Davied Morales will be dodging sippy cups on set and fighting crime in spandex within the decade.

“In 10 years, I see myself married, having a couple kids and still acting,” he said, grinning. “By this time, I will have landed some major TV show roles and have been in a couple movies. Maybe Marvel or DC will hire me to play a superhero!”

For now, Morales is bringing his larger-than-life energy to the stage as Tio in “Fat Ham” at the Oregon Shakespeare Festival — a role that may not come with a cape but definitely packs its own kind of power.

In his OSF debut, Morales was hired as an Actors’ Equity Association intern, a status that pays less than union scale but opens doors for new actors.

“I’m happy OSF has this program,” he said. “It allows nonunion theater actors like me to understand and feel what performing in a long contract is like.”

He also values the opportunity to learn from and collaborate with the professionals who bring the OSF stages to life.

First glimpse

Morales’ first exposure to OSF was as a college student in 2014.

“It was a dream ever since to make it on stage here,” he said.

He is relatively new to doing Shakespeare. He played Cassio in “Othello” three years ago at San Diego Stage, and that’s it. However, he believes that experience, along with doing some musical theater and making his own music prepared him for success in “Fat Ham.”

“All my prior training was useful in a play like this,” he said. “There are so many musical elements. My musical background has even helped me hear the iambic pentameter better.”

“Fat Ham,” winner of the 2022 Pulitzer Prize for drama, is a modern, Southern-fried adaptation of Shakespeare’s ”Hamlet” written by James Ijames. The story centers on Juicy, a queer Black man struggling with his identity and family expectations.

In James ljames’s play, Tio is a zany and comedic character, serving as Juicy’s carefree cousin and the play’s Horatio counterpart. He’s known for his raunchy humor, but also provides Juicy with thoughtful advice and support.

“It’s such a fun Shakespeare-adjacent adaptation,” Morales said. “When I first read the play, I related to Tio most. He is so lighthearted and accepting of others.”

Comic relief

Tio serves as the play’s “fool,” offering comedic relief along with moments of wit, wisdom and joy when the story calls for it. To connect with the role, Morales looks for common ground between himself and the character, believing that shared humanity is a stronger starting point than focusing on differences.

Like Tio, Morales sees his role on stage as someone who uplifts others — helping characters feel like the best versions of themselves and keeping the energy light with humor.

Script or no script, he enjoys acting in any medium.

One of his most satisfying gigs is teaching improv to underserved communities through San Jose’s Red Ladder Theatre Company.

“It’s the most rewarding job I’ve ever had,” he said, “and another reminder of how important theater is.”

Armed with nothing but a small bag of hats and the participants’ imaginations, he and his cohorts perform in prisons, foster homes and senior centers — ready to tell any story.

“This is the kind of work I want to do for as long as I can,” he said. “I’ve been doing it for six years, and it has definitely made me a more grateful person.”

Are there any artistic influencers who have helped shape his style?

“There are so many,” he said, “but several come to mind: actors Will Smith, Jim Carrey and Robin Williams. And musicians J. Cole, Common and André 3000 of Outkast.”

Double duty

Marales’ OSF engagement is his first repertory theater experience. In addition to performing in “Fat Ham,” he’s understudying Youngblood in August Wilson’s “Jitney,” a role he has not yet had the chance to play.

“This is my first time learning two scripts at the same time,” he said. “It is challenging, to be sure. In fact, I think I have more anxiety about my understudy assignment than my principal role.”

Morales, 32, grew up in San Jose, California. He earned an AA degree in theater arts at Foothill College in San Jose, where he was featured in many productions.

He also is a rapper, releasing his music under the name, Activepoet. And he has done film, television and voice-over work, in addition to performing for several Bay Area theater companies.

Theater and beyond

Movies and television first inspired his passion for acting — and today, they continue to fuel his long-term goal of building a successful career in film and TV. Still, he believes theater will always remain part of his professional life because of the unique connection it offers with live audiences.

No matter the medium, Morales brings the same energy and intention to every role he takes on. Whether he’s rapping, teaching improv or lighting up the OSF stage, he is clearly just getting started on a journey with plenty of heart — and hustle.

For more information about “Fat Ham” and other OSF plays, or to purchase tickets, visit osfashland.org.

Jim Flint’s Curtain Call column publishes on the second and fourth Mondays of the month. Email Jim at jimflint.ashland@yahoo.com.