The multi-talented performer talks exclusively to Splash about nurturing his creative spirit, the complexities of human relationships and how staying true to himself contributed to his personal growth.

Embracing the arts has always been a part of Orville Hall's journey. So it comes as no surprise that, at age 40 (yes, you read right), Hall's reality is steeped in nearly all facets of the performing arts.

HALL... I have had to accept that I'm a late bloomer in life (Photo: Garfield Robinson)

Consider this: though he's primarily known for his creativity as a dancer, choreographer and leader of the Dance Expressionz troupe, he is also an accomplished actor, lecturer, budding recording artiste, writer and a judge on one of the hottest talent shows on TV, Dancin' Dynamites. And he shows no signs of slowing down.

After a brief hiatus from commercial theatre, he returns to the stage this month for Below The Waist (which he also wrote) and is gearing up to add more roles to his ever-growing resumé Like the true artiste and professional, Hall believes in expanding one's horizons and pushing boundaries. And, as he makes clear to Splash, his past failures, successes and new endeavours have forced him to grow as a performer and a man.

SPLASH: With a starring role in the season's latest theatrical production, Below The Waist, how are you enjoying being back on the stage?

Hall: It feels good. It's a refreshing comeback to the stage for me. I have to say special thanks to Bunny Allen and Paul Beale of Stages Productions. I'm grateful to them for believing in the work and also the cast for being a part of it. So far I'm enjoying the journey.

SPLASH: Why was it important for you to write a script like Below The Waist?

Hall: It's actually one of my scripts, originally called Dilemma that I took to [the JCDC] Festival in 2003. It won seven national trophies so because of that kind of success I decided to turn it into a full-length play for commercial theatre. It has to do mainly with the relationship between a young girl and her Rastafarian lover and the obstacles they have to overcome. It's a mix of comedy and drama and I think people will enjoy it.

SPLASH: Sounds like you've penned a provocative play about complicated human relationships. Have you had some bad relationships over the years?

Hall: Yeah man, I've been there with some failed relationships in my life and I think I've been able to express it through the arts. So in my writing - whether scripts, poetry or music - all my experiences go into it.

SPLASH: Still on relationships, have you ever broken a woman's heart?

Hall: Honestly, yes I have, but it was never intentionally. In any partnership, you need to know if the relationship is compatible. If it's not you need to move on before any further damage is done. But I am still friends with all my exes (Laughs).

SPLASH: Wow, that's very admirable. You're known as a dancer, choreographer and actor. Are you secretly a talented vocalist too?
Hall: (Laughs) I am a deejay and I've been exploring that aspect of my talent for over a year now with Dance Expressionz. We recently worked with producer Sno' Cone and we have something lined up with Arif Cooper. I also have some new music playing on several radio stations.

SPLASH: Speaking of music, where do you stand on the current state of our dancehall culture?

Hall: You see where good things are happening in dancehall but you also see where a lot of improvement is needed in certain areas. If we want to change the negative face of dancehall, we have to first start with ourselves. We have to first identify the problems within and address them.

SPLASH: What kind of music did you listen to growing up?

Hall: I grew up in a yard in Jackson Town in the 1960s that entertained people. I grew up a fan of reggae and dancehall and anything in the slow jams genre. I grew up listening to real vintage artistes like Ken Boothe, Alton Ellis, Delroy Morgan and the Gemini Sound System.

SPLASH: Having been a judge since season one, are you pleased with the current season of Dancin' Dynamites?

Hall: Definitely. This season we've seen far better choreography. They have used the knowledge we shared with contestants from the past two seasons to their advantage this season and it's certainly been working for them

SPLASH: Who would you recommend to play the role of Bob Marley in a future biopic?

Hall: I don't know if anybody can copy Bob like his sons. Ky-Mani would do a good job because he's a part of the Marley root and he has acting skills.

SPLASH: What political figure do you admire and why?
Hall: (Long reflective pause) I respect Portia Simpson Miller mainly because of where she came from to accomplish what she has. What she has done represents drive and determination and the strength of a woman.

SPLASH: At 40, what's most important to you?

Hall: My craft and my family (fiancée and relatives). I think that over the years I've been able to reach a high level of maturity in whatever I do because of family support. I have had to accept that I'm a late bloomer in life. But I have spent a lot of time nurturing my love for the arts and bonding with my family members.

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