New Orleans Troupe Explores Southern Identity At Serenbe

Bear Hebert

A New Orleans-based theater ensemble is exploring this idea in the Atlanta area: there’s a difference between what Southern culture is and what we think it is.

The company, NEW NOISE, combines theater, dance and music in their latest production, “Oxblood.” It is second in their trilogy “New Southern Hymnal” exploring Southern identity. This time, they delve into land, labor and home.

“So much of Southern culture is still rooted in the rural in the way we conventionalize and talk about it,” said NEW NOISE’s artistic director Phil Cramer. He also performs in the show. “That’s a striking thing at a moment when more and more people are moving into cities, and the culture is changing.”

NEW NOISE arrived in Atlanta early last week to begin their residency at AIR Serenbe. They will present “Oxblood” this Friday through Sunday at 6 p.m. at Deer Hollow at Serenbe.