Joe Morton opens in Alfred Uhry's new play, Without Walls, at the Williamstown Theatre Festival Aug. 7. Christopher Ashley directs the premiere production, which runs through Aug. 18.

Morton plays Morocco Hempfill, an African-American drama teacher who encounters Anton (Charlie Hoffheimer), a pupil who has been newly transferred to Hemphill's school. Uhry told the New York Times that the piece was inspired by his experiences as an English and drama teacher on the Upper West Side in the 1970's. Kelly Karbacz also stars in the play as Lexy.

In addition to director Ashley, the creative team includes Tom Lynch (sets), Susan Hilferty (costumes), Donald Holder (lighting) and Mark Bennett (sound). Alex Lu Volckhausen is the show's stage manager, and Christopher Akins is the production manager.

Morton has acted twice on the New York stage in the past year: in Measure for Measure in Central Park; and in Brutal Imagination Off-Broadway at the Vineyard Theatre. Also in the cast is Kelly Karbacz.

Producer Jane Harmon is reportedly attached to the Uhry play and hopes to bring it to New York City this season. Uhry wrote Driving Miss Daisy, The Last Night of Ballyhoo and the books for The Robber Bridegroom and Parade. Without Walls plays the Williamstown Theatre Festival's Nikos Stage; for more information, call (413) 597-3399.

—By Robert Simonson and Andrew Gans