Interview with Playwright T.J. Hemphill and Actor Vaughn Arrington

It’s always a honor to highlight individuals whose artistic work is uplifting our communities.

I’m extremely grateful for the opportunity to interview the renowned film director, TJ Hemphill. TJ is known nationally for his spiritual stage plays and his latest effort, God It's Me Again will debut here in Detroit on February 27. It will also include one of our own Morningside residents, Vaughn Arrington.

Below is a interview of both gentlemen as they discuss their journeys and what they look forward to with the upcoming play, God It’s Me Again.

Actor and film director, TJ Hemphill. Image courtesy of TJ Hemphill

JLII: T.J., you’re nationally known for your work, including Perilous Times, which has become Detroit’s longest-running annual African American stage play. How did you get started in theater?

T.J. Hemphill: My first encounter with theater was at Wayne State University. A good friend invited me to a production of “Pal Joey.” I was captivated by the buzz, the glamour, the music, the backstage excitement. I knew right then I wanted to be part of this world for the rest of my life. But my true start came when I was an elementary school teacher. Our school lost funding for the auditorium program, and all the student plays were canceled. I felt heartbroken for those kids. So I volunteered. I took “A Christmas Carol,” added original parts and music, and before I knew it, I had created my first play.

JLII: Wait — you added your own music?

T.J.: Yes. I had been a church organist for years, so composing came naturally. A lot of people don’t know I also played organ for the Detroit Pistons back in the day. You know the song “Benny and the Jets” by Elton John? I was the one who started that song being played throughout the NBA.

JLII: How many plays have you written?

T.J.: I’ve written many — that’s what writers do. I’ve produced eight plays to date. Two have toured nationally, and two have been filmed and are currently streaming.

JLII: What do you consider your biggest success?

T.J.: Nationally, All Men Can’t Be Dogs was a major success. It starred Denise Williams, Lawrence Hilton-Jacobs, AJ Johnson, and Carvin Winans among others. Locally, Perilous Times has become the longest-running annual African American production in Detroit’s history. It has featured stars like the late John Amos, the late Tommy Ford, Shirley Murdock, and William Murphy III. That show means a lot to this city.

JLII: How has theater changed your life?

T.J.: It made me appreciate the arts on a deeper level. The community — actors, writers, musicians — it’s rewarding beyond words. As a writer and director, I get the chance to bring joy and entertainment to thousands of people. That’s a blessing.

JLII: What made you write “God, It’s Me Again?”

T.J.: Personal experiences. The ups and downs of my life that keep bringing me back to Him. Going back to God doesn’t always mean you did something wrong. Sometimes life just hits you. If I had an opportunity to work with Spike Lee and it falls through — I go back to Him. If I lose something or someone — I go back. You can go back to God a million times. You should.

JLII: What do you hope audiences take away from this play?

Vaughn Arrington. Image courtesy of Vaughn Arrington

T.J.: I want people to stop feeling guilty about running back to God. Too many people don’t run back at all. Without the guide rail of the Holy Spirit, we’re lost. Life has real ups and downs. This play reminds people that returning to God is strength, not weakness.

JLII: Why did you choose Vaughn Arrington to play God?

T.J.: I chose Vaughn because of his energy and his spirit of willingness. He has intelligence and presence. I knew his acting experience wasn’t extensive, but I saw something more important — he was malleable, pliable. I could shape him into what the role required. And he has the right spirit. That matters.

JLII: Vaughn, what does it mean to you to play God in this season of your life?

Vaughn Arrington: I am deeply honored to be chosen for this role. It feels like divine timing. This isn’t just acting for me — it’s formation. Playing God has strengthened my decision-making as a single man, as a community leader, and most importantly as a man of God. This role has affected my everyday thoughts. I’m becoming more aware of how often I “take the bait” from the enemy — distractions, emotional reactions, temporary pleasures that don’t align with my long-term calling. And I’m becoming more resistant. The timing is powerful. In this season, life has been pulling a lot out of me. I’ve endured four break-ins in Morningside. I lost my aunt last year. Two weeks ago, I lost my brother. I’m also preparing myself mentally and spiritually to be a husband to the woman God sends me one day soon and a stronger pillar for my community and family. Rehearsals aren’t just rehearsals for me. They feel like spiritual conditioning. This play is shaping me.

JLII: What should audiences anticipate when they attend “God, It’s Me Again?”

T.J.: They should anticipate a real-life story. This play is based on true events from my life — from meeting the Devil in a strip club to losing my wife in 1993. I know what it’s like to sit at someone’s bedside at the end of their life. I know regret. I know love. I know loss. Many people share these experiences but don’t talk about them. Men especially — I want them to love deeply while they can. You’ll never do everything perfectly. Just know you did your best as a man.