Tanya Batson-Savage, Freelance Writer
Camille Davis as 'Dimples' gets close to Karl Williams in the Patrick Brown play 'Vibes'.
CAMILLE DAVIS is only 20 years old, but she is already starting to make tiny marks on the acting world having snagged what could arguably be the lead role in the new Jambiz International comedy Vibes, currently playing at the Centrestage theatre in New Kingston.
Davis plays Dimples, a domestic helper, who, having declared herself immune to love and only interested in 'spirit tek', finds herself falling for her boss, played by Karl Williams. The role is quite a coup for the young actress and she is feeling much gratitude for the opportunity.
Interestingly, until she joined the Jambiz Theatre Workshop in 2003, when she came to Kingston from her home town of Ketto, Westmoreland, Davis was a
theatrical virgin. "I've never done any form of theatre, it was just something that I loved," she said.
This love manifested itself in her imitating the actors she saw on television. "This is what I've always wanted to do and me getting a chance to do this now says this is what I'm supposed to do," she says.
Her theatrical run, though short, has been impressive. Her first commercial work came in Woody's Last Stand, followed by a role in Positive.
Davis' stint as Dimples allows her to fulfil her dramatic dreams, while playing a role she wanted. "I've prayed for a role like this," revealed Davis. She explained that what she likes most about the role is that it shows not to judge a book by its cover. "Most people look down on people like Dimples," Davis said. "You know, how you didn't go to high school, go to college, so they try to take advantage of that."
OUTSPOKEN NATURE
Dimples is spunky and, with a temper that bursts forth with the same ease as her curves burst from her clothing, is not the kind of woman that one can easily take advantage of. Davis explained that she and Dimples have some things in common, including an outspoken nature, and though Davis dresses a little more conservatively than Dimples, both are comfortable with their bodies and appreciate their 'assets'. Where they differ is that Davis claimed to be a much more socially reticent
person. The graduate of Man-nings High in Savanna-la-Mar, Westmoreland, explains that most of her youth, which was spent growing up with her grandmother who is a pastor was shared between school and church. "I never went out at all," she said. "I think the first time I went to a club I was 17."
So it is that Dimples is a little out of keeping with her up bringing and so Davis is a little worried about her grandmother's reaction when she sees Vibes. "Funnily enough, when I was doing it, I thought 'wow! What if my grandmother saw this?'". Nonetheless, Davis is confident that her grandmother would understand that she is acting, but she admits, "I don't think she'd want to see me doing this role".
Davis' dreams of acting also cover hopes of television work and she is getting her first shot at that in a Patrick Brown written soap opera, 'Changes'. She also dreams of one day singing professionally, but does not think now is the right time to pursue that goal.
Even so, there is nothing Davis would rather do than act. "It's always, you know, you have it in the back of your head 'I wish...', but you never thought it would happen," she said.
So far, her dreams are being realised.
