The Talented Nick (Sunday People)

Davis (second from right) with his indie band

Davis composed the music for Three from scratch

Published in the New Sunday Times
April 13, 2008

The talented Nick

Nick Davis, all of 20 years, is scorching up the local theatre and music scene, writes MAX KOH

ACTOR, musician, composer and occasional film-maker. He is 20-year-old Nick Davis and he’s already acted in three plays, composed music for two productions and directed, acted and composed the soundtrack for short film, Shells On The Beach.

Right now, he’s the music director for Helena Foo’s Three, a physical theatre based on Mitch Albom’s Five People You Meet In Heaven.

With that kind of resume, it is hard to imagine that the boyish-looking Davis graduated with a diploma in performing arts only two months ago.

“Even though I was in college, I made it a point to get involved as much as possible in the industry,” says Davis, lounging on a chair at the Kuala Lumpur Performing Arts Centre in Sentul.

His involvement in the industry paid off handsomely. He interned at KLPac for his diploma and will soon be working with well-known thespian Jo Kukathas for Air-Con, which is an ICT FirstWorks piece by Shanon Shah.

“It is really great that I am able to work with Jo. I went for the audition without any expectations and was elated to know I got the part,” says Davis.

Right now, Davis is focussing on Three. The story is about a man who meets five people in heaven and how his little decisions in life has significant consequences on them.

Three is a physical theatre piece where the story is entirely told with body language set to original composition by Davis.

How did Davis come to work with Foo?

“Helena was my senior at Sunway College. She roped me in when she directed her first production The Shape Of Things in 2006 where I played with a live band onstage. I guess it is our friendship that really helps us to be able to work together.”

For Three, Davis composed the music from scratch.

“I am really interested in composing soundtracks and see how the movements and music work well together. You know, like background music for a film. And we also play with a live band during the performance, so you’ll be able to see how we improvise during the show.”

Davis described the music for Three as a blend of rock and new age. “It’s something like Explosions In The Sky or Mogwai.

“At first, the dancers did not get it. It was a bit tough to choreograph the movements according to the music. But once I got the basic melody we were able to coordinate things. There was a lot of interaction. In fact, I joined most of the choreography sessions even though I did not have to be there,” says Davis, clad comfortably in a black T-shirt and jeans.

Davis’ first love is music. He learnt to play the drums when he was 15, and soon taught himself how to play the guitar and keys. He’s been performing music around the indie circuit with other singer-songwriters.

So what’s the big plan?

“Well, I hope to record a demo CD soon. I am actually looking for a cellist in order to complete a trio with me and another piano player. So if there’s any cellist out there, please contact me.” He laughs.

“What I hope to do is a back-pack music tour around the world.”

• Three will play at Pentas 2, KLPac, Sentul Park until April 20. Tickets: RM25/RM15 (students, senior citizens and disabled). Shows begin at 8.30pm for April 15-19, 3pm (April 13 & 20).
Call 03-40479000.