Performing arts group Dance

Xpressionz is showing its versatility in a new YouTube comedy-drama series, The Bartender. Inspired by previous

short skits posted on their channel, the production follows bar owner Goody

(played by Stacy Xpressionz) and her philandering boyfriend Dogbed (Sashi

Xpressionz), and the complexities that arise when a new bar chick, Browning

(Special Black Xpressionz), comes to town. The plot is intensified with nosy

neighbour Bubbles (Shelly Xpressionz), and her friend Five (Shanice

Xpressionz), who suffers from hyperosmia and has her own vendetta against

Browning when she spots her flirting with her man, Shoppy (Changoula Imperial).

Already eleven episodes in since

its April premiere, The Bartender

has attracted thousands of viewers and praise for being “the soap opera of

the year” according to comments. An appearance from comedian Quite Perry

in the latest episode has also contributed to an overall viewership boost,

which Dance Xpressionz principal Orville Hall is grateful for. Interestingly,

he describes the production as happenstance.

“We started this brand of

comedy called ‘Kuyah Comedy’ in April and originally it was not supposed to be

a series, it was supposed to be just skits,” he told BUZZ. “One of the skits we did was Shoppy & Five and the other would have been Goody & Dogbed, so The Bartender came out of that

accidentally and the public fell in love with it.”

He also dubbed the project a

product of quarantine as the group was slated to take their From Den Til Now show to Germany in

April. Though the coronavirus pandemic disrupted that plan, it didn’t stop the

creatives from exploring other ventures. They started with online classes then

eased their way into film.

“We’ve had the YouTube page

for years and realised that our numbers were not far off from having our page

monetised so we said let’s see if we can grow our following and viewership and

we started getting into it in a serious way,” he said. “Stacy and

Shelly are actually dance majors and drama minors from the Excelsior Community

College so they have experience. I’m also a graduate of that school and used my

background as a drama teacher to train my other dancers in characterisation and

why it’s important to use our face and bodies to tell a story without

verbalising anything.”

Hall serves as director and

editor of the series, which he shoots on his Samsung Galaxy S9. The script is

improvised with contribution from all members, and all episodes are shot at The

Dancehall Hostel, located in the musically rich community of Jackson Town,

Kingston, where Hall was raised.

Alongside business partner Syl

Gordon (music producer and hostel owner), Hall is determined to strengthen the

community’s economy with negotiations underway to have it renamed to Dancehall

District.

“We did a presentation for

the Tourism Product Development Company a few days ago where we walked through

the community and asked for help in developing it through beautification

projects, like fixing the road and sidewalks…and they were totally impressed

with what we’re doing and have agreed to help,” he said.

The

Bartender will wrap after its 12th episode to make way for another series, Ghetto Fabulous. That production will center around varied scenarios and

characters of the inner city, and will again see Jackson Town as the backdrop.

Post-COVID-19, Hall is hoping to create

a balance between drama and dance.

“We asked for viewers and

subscribers and they are truly invested in it so we have to be invested as

well. The Xpressionz team is also busy with doing promotional videos for

artistes, so we’re moving forward with balancing the dance and drama.”

There’s also music, as Stacy and

Sashi are both recording artistes. Hall is also promoting a new rhythm, Dancehall District, produced by Gordon.