DIANE CAMERON
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DIANE CAMERON
Ms. Cameron is a Free-Lance Journalist, Actress, Playwright and Vocalist. She has received numerous awards and accolades for her work in Theater Arts. Her accomplishments in the Cultural Arts has garnered 2 Congratulatory Resolutions from the Honorable Governor Bob Riley of Alabama, 2005 South African KORA AWARD Nomination. Nominated for Theatre Jacksonville’s “Best Actress” Award. She is the official USA Artist in Residence to the Republic of Benin, West Africa, the recipient of the Ambassador of Peace of Award by the IILFW. She has released 3 CD’s, the first in Tokyo, the second in Durban, South Africa and the third in Charleston, S.C. Diane wrote the play “Beauty land” for “Keep Mobile Beautiful”. She has worked with the Boys & Girls Club in Fairhope, the school system in Baldwin & Mobile Counties. Ms. Cameron taught a 6 week Theatre Camp for the City of Daphne and recently taught a Summer Enrichment Camp in Mobile, Alabama funded by the Red Cross. Ms. Cameron traveled to West Africa in 2005 to debut her original play "Homeland Sweet Homeland" She is the author of the Environmentally Inspired Theater Program, "GREEN EARTH THEATER" Plays for all ages that address diverse subjects of environmental concerns.
Ms. Cameron is a Free-Lance Journalist, Actress, Playwright and Vocalist. She has received numerous awards and accolades for her work in Theater Arts. Her accomplishments in the Cultural Arts has garnered 2 Congratulatory Resolutions from the Honorable Governor Bob Riley of Alabama, 2005 South African KORA AWARD Nomination. Nominated for Theatre Jacksonville’s “Best Actress” Award. She is the official USA Artist in Residence to the Republic of Benin, West Africa, the recipient of the Ambassador of Peace of Award by the IILFW. She has released 3 CD’s, the first in Tokyo, the second in Durban, South Africa and the third in Charleston, S.C. Diane wrote the play “Beauty land” for “Keep Mobile Beautiful”. She has worked with the Boys & Girls Club in Fairhope, the school system in Baldwin & Mobile Counties. Ms. Cameron taught a 6 week Theatre Camp for the City of Daphne and recently taught a Summer Enrichment Camp in Mobile, Alabama funded by the Red Cross. Ms. Cameron traveled to West Africa in 2005 to debut her original play "Homeland Sweet Homeland" She is the author of the Environmentally Inspired Theater Program, "GREEN EARTH THEATER" Plays for all ages that address diverse subjects of environmental concerns.
HERE ARE SELECTIONS FROM THE 2009 SEASON:
(1) CRYMEE A RIVER – A PLAY ABOUT POLLUTION OF OUR RIVERS & OCEANS WHERE OF COURSE THE MAIN CHARACTER IS CRYMEE, A RIVER.
(2) WHO YOU CALLING DIRT? – A SPIRITED PLAY WHERE THE “EARTH” IS THE MAIN
SASSY CHARACTER WHO TAKES MANKIND TO “COURT” FOR NEGLECT.
(3) THE LAST FLOWER ON EARTH – FLOWERS BEGIN DISAPPEARING FROM THE EARTH AND A SINGLE ROSE “ROSA” HAS THE ANSWER WHY.
(4) FRED AND FELIX – A PLAY ABOUT THE FRIENDSHIP BETWEEN FRED, A GIRAFFE AND FELIX, A HUMMINGBIRD WHO LIVE AT THE ZOO WITHOUT WALLS OR GATES, UNTIL A NEW ZOO KEEPER TAKES OVER AND PUTS UP A 10 FOOT FENCE.
GREEN EARTH THEATER NEWEST PRODUCTION
THE TRIAL OF AUGUST THE OAK TREE
(5) August is a 100 year old Oak tree in the forests of Oklahoma. He was planted by a younEEg Native American girl named Asinka the daughter of an Osage Chief. She planted the tree during the eighth month of the year and named him August. Asinka was very dedicated to August and communed with him during every crisis and trial in her upbringing years. When Asinka was 21, she received the first crops of acorns from August. For the sentimental value of the nuts, she kept them and gave them to her first born grandson Shakuru. As August grows, he becomes very protective of all the animals in the forest and takes on a paternal role.
When Asinka died, her grandson placed the acorns in her burial place. The conflict occurs as developers begin to clear away forest land for development. The "city planning board" approved future development which would call for the removal of August who is considered by the board to be old and useless. Shakuru, the grandson of Asinka who is now a grandfather calls a forest counsel to discuss the situation. The forest council decides to take the city planners to trial. Ten witnesses (forest animals) testify on August' behalf, and finally August takes the stand and delivers a riveting testimony on his own behalf indicting those who seek to tamper with nature for material gain and greed.
The "jury" deliberates and August is saved........
Click below to view THE TRIAL OF AUGUST THE OAK TREE PROMO VIDEO ON YOU TUBE
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u-0_eNNzgMg
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MS. CAMERON'S PERSONAL QUOTE
"We live in a Global Society...Our neighbors are next door or a continent away. Our prayers should not be just for our children...but also for the children we may never meet. When I eat a meal and drink clean water, I should be mindful that my neighbors across the waters may not have eaten in a week. When I am tempted to complain about the rain, I repent and remember that my sisters and brothers in other countries may be praying for rain. As musical artists, we are the modern day griots....we must sing the stories...the mantle is in our hands. Art is my contribution to my collective earth family....It’s the least I can do....." Diane Cameron
DIANE CAMERON, 2005 KORA AWARD NOMINEE, USA ARTIST IN RESIDENCE TO THE REPUBLIC OF BENIN, ACTRESS, SONGWRITER, PLAYWRIGHT.... is a multi talented performing and recording artist with increasing recognition in the United States and Africa for creation of a new art form devoted to Africa’s Diaspora. As a singer, song writer, actress, and acting instructor Ms. Cameron has devoted her career to the Diasjazzpora movement and promotion of African Art forms. Originally from Chicago, Illinois Diane Cameron entered the entertainment arena as a jazz dancer and make-up artist for Ebony Fashion Fair. Diane auditioned for her first theater role and won the part, she was cast in the leading role for the Hilton Head Island, SC production as Miss Sherman in the play FAME in 1991. Ms Cameron went on to be featured in Big River, Prelude to a Kiss, Merrily We Roll Along, and Midsummer's Night Dream. She was nominated for Best Actress of The Year Award from the Theater Jacksonville production of August Wilson's "The Piano Lesson" in 1997. Here she tackled the complex characterization of the lead female role of Bernice. In 1997, Diane concentrated on organizing and producing benefit concerts, singing and songwriting. The proceeds from her musical contribution on the compilation J.A.N.E. CD "Africa's Fruit" benefited homeless and disadvantaged women in Jacksonville, FL. In 1998, she organized and produced the S.W.I.N.G. benefit concert for St. Augustine, FL, & this effort contributed toward a children's playground. Diane has written over 50 songs from the heart and usually addresses issues that affect women. She says "It never fails to happen; when I write a song about my life, I'm singing about someone else's." In 1999, Diane toured Memphis, TN at Alfred's and the Gibson Guitar Center. She received great reviews from the Beale Street crowd. In 2000, Ms. Cameron completed a 3-month tour in Tokyo, Japan with the Phil Morrison Trio Ms. Cameron toured Chicago in 2001 where she performed at the famed KoKo Taylor, Buddy Guy's Legends and Lee's Unleaded Blues Club. She has appeared in Atlanta at the Bayou Room, Cafe 290, Breezes, and City of Douglasville, GA., Summer Concert Series Festival. In Alabama and Florida, Diane has played at some of the Eastern Shore’s finest establishments such as in San Destin, Florida at the San Destin Resort and Conference Center, Florabama as well as numerous private engagements and weddings. Diane has made guest appearances at the Daphne, Alabama Jazz in The Plaza, and Cotton Club New York Night at the Daphne Civic Center. She also performed for the 2002 and 2003 Alabama Gulf Coast Chamber of Commerce National Shrimp Festival. Other Alabama Eastern Shore appearances include Kiva Dunes, Beach Club, Guy's Gumbo, Oleander Resort, Marriott Grand Hotel, Legions Club, Theater 98 and more...Diane has produced several youth theatrical productions, was a guest on channel 44 Mobile's "Cover Stories" hosted by Nona Simmons. Diane has written several plays, published an environmental skit for the City of Mobile's "Keep Mobile Beautiful" organization and is currently planning a book signing tour to promote her first children's book "Fred & Felix". Diane was selected U.S.A. Artist in Residence to the 2004 Republic of Benin Gospel & Roots Festival and reappointed in 2005. The State of Alabama USA passed a Resolution recognizing Benin American Music Management (BAMM) Artist Diane was nominated by the KORA Awards Organization 2005 in the category of Best Afro American Diaspora. The other nominees in this category are Will Smith, Mariah Carey, Akon and Oliver. The CD ..The Reconciliation.. and winning song entry ..Come Back Home to Africa. Ms. Cameron has recently returned from The Republic of Benin, West Africa this past July where she performed for the 2008 Gospel & Racines Festival.
Credits Channel 44 .. Nona Simmons .. Cover Stories .. Interview & Vocal Performance.. Mobile, Alabama Channel 3 .. Pensacola Television to promote trip to Benin Channel 12 .. Good Morning Jacksonville .. Clennon King .. Interview & Vocal Performance .. Jacksonville, FL. ORTB .. Republic of Benin, West Africa LC2 .. Republic of Benin, West Africa Radio Credits St. Augustine .. Interview for compilation CD .. Jacksonville, FL - 1997 Kennedy-King College Radio .. Chicago, Illinois .. This Woman’s Heart.. 1998 WBEE .. Peoria, Ill. .. Listening Party for first CD 1999 .. ..This Woman’s Heart.. WDLT .. Mobile, AL .. Carmen Brown Host - 2001 WDLT .. Mobile, AL .. Carmen Brown Host - 2002 WDLT .. Mobile, AL .. Carmen Brown Host - 2003 WDLT .. Mobile, AL .. Carmen Brown Host - 2004 Oceane FM Radio .. Republic of Benin, West Africa - 2005 Radio Star FM .. Republic of Benin, West Africa - 2005 Golf Radio FM .. Republic of Benin, West Africa .. 2005 CAPP FM Radio .. Republic of Benin, West Africa .. 2005 Radio Ouidah .. Republic of Benin, West Africa - 2005 Theatrical Credits Fame .. Hilton Head Island, SC 1991 Big River .. Hilton Head Island, SC 1992 Prelude to a Kiss .. Hilton Head Island, SC 1992 Midsummer’s Night Dream .. Chicago, IL 1993 Merrily We Roll Along .. Atlanta, GA 1995 Piano Lesson .. Jacksonville, FL 1997 Rhythm of the World .. (written & directed) .. Daphne, AL 2000 Voices of Freedom .. (written & directed) .. Mobile, AL 2001 Cry of Freedom .. (written & directed) .. Mobile, AL 2004 Open Letter to the African American Daughter .. (written & directed) Mobile, AL 200 Open Letter to the African American Son .. (written & directed) Mobile, AL 2005 The Children of Diaspora .. Written and Directed, Republic of Benin, West Africa Commercial Credits Haverty's Furniture .. Holiday Scene .. Televised Aaron’s Furniture .. Family Purchasing Scene .. Print Marriott Grand Hotel .. Postcard Scene - Print Newsprint Credits Hilton Head Island Packet .. Dec 1991 Florida Times-Union .. March 1997 Folio Weekly (Jacksonville) .. December 1997 Mobile Press Register .. May 2002 The Islander .. Gulf Shores, Alabama .. October 2002 Mobile Press Register .. February 2004. National Festivals 2002, 2003, Alabama Gulf Coast Chamber of Commerce Shrimp Festival International Tours Tokyo Dome Hotel .. Artist Café .. 3 Months with Phil Morrison Trio, Tokyo, Japan - 8/2000 .. 11/2000 .. *Republic of Benin/Africa Gospel & Roots Reconciliation Tour August 2nd .. 8th 2004 *Republic of Benin/Africa Gospel & Roots Reconciliation Tour July 31st .. August 7th 2005. IFAM Tour 2008.
CONGRATULATORY RESOLUTIONS
http://www.legislature.state.al.us/searchableinstruments/2004RS/Resolutions/HJR700.htm http://www.legislature.state.al.us/searchableinstruments/2006RS/Resolutions/HJR262.htm
