Dahlia Harris
Giving equal respect to everything she does
SASSY, FULL of life and energy, Dahlia Harris is a talented theatre and screen practitioner, and accomplished director who is widely respected for her involvement with cultural development.
Harris is the daughter of Enid Harris, retired school principal, and Cyril Harris, a transport worker long deceased. With her four siblings, she grew up on St Johns Road in Spanish Town, St Catherine, where, for the children, crime and violence were a daily reality.
She began her career on stage as an actress, with the School Drama festival, while in sixth form at Wolmer’s High School for Girls.
Harris won the Festival Queen crown in 1990 and has not slowed down since. She has been a staple on the Jamaican stage, starring in and even producing a few plays of her own.
“It’s a lot of work and the challenges are so many, but to impact lives is extremely gratifying. I know that we can have a positive impact on attitudes and values; we can influence the way we think about ourselves as a people, we can create opportunities for people to come together and share powerful experiences. It is a gift to be able to make that kind of difference and I head into every project being mindful of that,” Harris said.
She wrote her first play, the award-winning Judgement in 2010, written because two projects she had been involved with fell through, and she had her economic obligations.
Unfortunately, the director she had hired had other commitments and she ended up having to direct the play herself. Now with 14 plays under her belt, Harris now understands and appreciates the importance that each role plays in the production of a play.
“I like its dynamism. No two days are ever the same, projects though similar will always have their unique qualities and I get to meet and work with a wide cross-section of individuals. It also gives me the opportunity to make a difference on a personal and public
level. I truly love Jamaica, and the arts provide a great way to make a contribution to its development,” Harris said
She has starred in major hits, including Puppy Love, Jamaica 2 Rahtid, Oliver’s Posse, Cindyrelisha & the DJ Prince, Me and Mi Chapsie, Country Duppy, Oliver & The Genie, Kiss Me Neck, Hurricane
Lovers, and Bay Vibez. Total count puts Harris as appearing in 24 plays, producing seven, directing six and writing five; along with two Actor Boy awards.
“It requires a lot of time management and being careful to give each area equal respect. I literally schedule ‘me time’ on my things to do. I also keep a team around me who monitor the balance. If I am doing too much of one area and neglecting the other, they don’t hesitate to point it out. That’s important, having a team around you who are invested in all areas of your life – both personal and professional,” Harris said.
A graduate of the UWI, Mona, with majors in English, as well as Media and Communication, Harris has been a part of the local media landscape for almost 25 years.
She has worked in print, radio and television in various capacities, but is more popularly known for her work as a sports presenter/producer, host of local programmes and national events. Harris was a sportscaster for over 20 years on Television Jamaica’s Prime Time Sports, as well as a cohost on the popular Jamaican morning show, Smile Jamaica.