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Voices of the South

Founded in 1995, Voices of the South is a Memphis based non-profit theatre company that creates, produces, and tours homegrown works of theatre that give voice to the southern perspective. VOTS also promotes literacy through their local and national touring program. The company's extensive touring repertoire includes original plays and adaptations of literature from celebrated regional authors. For the past twelve years the company has performed these works and led theatre workshops/residencies in K-12 schools and colleges and universities throughout the state of Tennessee. The company has also worked in Mid-South senior centers, the Memphis/Shelby County library system, the Lichterman Nature Center, and with COFI, a West Memphis-based non-profit organization whose mission is to provide a safe and educational environment for disadvantaged youth from high crime neighborhoods.

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    Voices of the South

    2085 Monroe
    Memphis, TN 38104

    Phone: 726-0800

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    Official Website

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• Past
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  • Past Events

    05/28/10- 05/29/10	VOICES OF THE SOUTH hosts THE MEMPHIS CHILDREN’S THEATRE FESTIVAL Rhodes College: McCoy Theatre VOICES OF THE SOUTH hosts THE MEMPHIS CHILDREN’S THEATRE FESTIVAL Presented by Voices of the South at Rhodes College: McCoy Theatre May 28-May 29, 2010 It’s that time of year again! Voices of the South will host the 5th Annual Memphis Children’s Theatre Festival on the Rhodes College Campus. The ultimate family friendly arts experience awaits you and your loved ones on Memorial Day Weekend. This year’s theme, “Locally Grown”, celebrates the local talents and green thinking in the community. The festival features the world premiere of The Kallahoney Kids vs. the Shadow Monsters written by local playwright Geoff...
    03/05/10- 03/14/10	Hold Fast TheatreWorks Hold Fast Presented by Voices of the South at TheatreWorks March 5-March 14, 2010 VOICES OF THE SOUTH hosts the original Memphis play HOLD FAST SYNOPSIS: Hold Fast is a brand new solo performance from celebrated theatre artist, Phil Darius Wallace. How have dreams defined you as a person? How have they defined your path? Hold Fast is a story that examines the burden and blessings of dreams. This tour de force performance elegantly weaves together personal narrative with the writings of Langston Hughes, Martin Luther King, Malcolm X and many other heroes of the...
    01/22/10- 01/30/10	The J&K Self-Rising Cabaret TheatreSouth The J&K Self-Rising Cabaret Presented by Voices of the South at TheatreSouth January 22-January 30, 2010 J&K are about to take the south by storm! Jenny Odle Madden and Kim Justis back with a brand new cabaret! Caution: May contain one or more of the following ingredients: Music, Comedy, Ham, Pluck, Gumption, Terrifically Witty Banter, and Just a Pinch of Bitterness. Jenny Odle Madden and Kim Justis will charm your pants off!
    12/11/09- 12/20/09	Pre-sent/Pres-ent 8: Home Sweet Home TheatreWorks Pre-sent/Pres-ent 8: Home Sweet Home Presented by Voices of the South at TheatreWorks December 11-December 20, 2009 Project: Motion and Voices of the South bring you the 8th installment of Pre-sent/Pres-ent 8: Home Sweet Home a holiday variety extravaganza.
    11/12/09	Pre-sent Present Process Party TheatreSouth Pre-sent Present Process Party Presented by Voices of the South at TheatreSouth November 12, 2009 The holidays are approaching. Let the parties begin! Voices of the South and Project Motion cordially invite you to join them for the 3rd Annual PRE-SENT PRES-ENT Process Party @ TheatreSouth. The show isn?t until December, but the celebration begins on November 12. There will be wine, hors d'ouevres, and a sneak peak of things to come! This years Pre-sent Pres-ent artists will be on hand to share their process and show off the actual gifts that inspire the work. TheatreSouth is...
    10/23/09- 10/25/09	For Goodness Sake TheatreSouth For Goodness Sake Presented by Voices of the South at TheatreSouth October 23-October 25, 2009 In pre-Civil Rights Florida, a woman searches for religion, sexuality, and goodness while struggling to heal childhood wounds left by her innocent participation in a racially motivated beating.
    10/17/09- 10/19/09	The Ugly Duckling The Hutchison School The Ugly Duckling Presented by Voices of the South at The Hutchison School October 17-October 19, 2009 With an original adaptation by Jerre Dye, and an equally original musical score by Virginia Ralph, Voices of the South weaves this familiar tale with a distinctly southern flair. Down-home music, colorful characters, and magical stage pictures are the backdrop for this inventive retelling of Andersen's beloved story.
    09/16/09- 10/03/09	Sister Myotis's Church Retreat TheatreSouth Sister Myotis's Church Retreat Presented by Voices of the South at TheatreSouth September 16-October 3, 2009 Sister Myotis is back again by popular demand! Last summer, Sister Myotis's Church Retreat took Memphis by storm, playing to sold-out audiences praying for more. If you haven't had the pleasure of sitting in the presence of the one and only divine deaconess of Ecclesiastical splendor, now is you have a second chance. And if you are one of the faithful, now is the perfect time to bring along some potential converts. Being the head deaconess of an 80,000 member mega-church (The Good Tidings,...
    08/21/09- 09/06/09	Cicada TheatreWorks Cicada Presented by Voices of the South at TheatreWorks August 21-September 6, 2009 Avg. Event Rating (4.5 Stars): Cicada is a new play written by Voices of the South artistic director, Jerre Dye. Set in rural Mississippi, this coming of age ghost story is deeply rooted in the life of a small southern family on the verge of transformation. The unrelenting July heat presses in on seventeen-year-old Ace and his mother Lily as they dig their way out the past. It's a story about letting go and shedding what is no longer necessary in a world full of secrets, ghosts, and memories that hold on tight. Poetic,...
    05/22/09- 05/23/09	Voices of the South hosts The Memphis Children's Theatre Festival Rhodes College: McCoy Theatre Voices of the South hosts The Memphis Children's Theatre Festival Presented by Voices of the South at Rhodes College: McCoy Theatre May 22-May 23, 2009 Avg. Event Rating (5.0 Stars): Voices of the South will host The Fourth Annual Memphis Children's Theatre Festival in the spring of 2009 at The McCoy Theatre on the Rhodes College campus. The mission of the festival is to create a safe, educational, affordable, and exciting festival atmosphere in which children and families can attend innovative theatre, and participate in free, arts-oriented activities that foster the imagination. The children's festival acquaints the community with the work of Memphis artists, promotes...
    04/26/09	Spring Arts on the Bluff Metal Museum Spring Arts on the Bluff Presented by Voices of the South at Metal Museum April 26, 2009 Two Memphis originals have joined forces to bring you the perfect Sunday afternoon. The Metal Museum and Voices of the South Theatre Company invite you and your family to spend an artful, affordable, and relaxing day on the bluffs. The Mississippi River will be your backdrop for live theatre performances, open exhibits, copper bracelet making, outdoor games, and leisure time in the sculpture gardens. Experience spring in an authentically Memphis way at SPRING ARTS ON THE BLUFF! 2:pm...
    03/20/09- 03/29/09	Sister Myotis: Church Retreat TheatreWorks Sister Myotis: Church Retreat Presented by Voices of the South at TheatreWorks March 20-March 29, 2009 Sister Myotis is back again by popular demand! Last summer, Sister Myotis’s Church Retreat took Memphis by storm, playing to sold-out audiences praying for more. If you haven’t had the pleasure of sitting in the presence of the one and only divine deaconess of Ecclesiastical splendor, now is you have a second chance. And if you are one of the faithful, now is the perfect time to bring along some potential converts. Being the head deaconess of an 80,000 member mega-church...
    03/20/09- 03/29/09	Homegrown TheatreWorks Homegrown Presented by Voices of the South at TheatreWorks March 20-March 29, 2009 This year's Homegrown features a new play from artistic director, Jerre Dye. Barges is an engaging "coming of age" story set in the rural South. Filled with humor, lyricism, and lush, visual imagery, this original work is a " one of a kind" homegrown theatre experience.
    12/12/08- 12/21/08	Pre-sent/Pres-ent presented by Voices of the South and Project: Motion TheatreWorks Pre-sent/Pres-ent presented by Voices of the South and Project: Motion Presented by Voices of the South at TheatreWorks December 12-December 21, 2008 It's comedy, drama, music, and dance. It's a variety show with attitude. This Memphis tradition returns for the seventh, smash-hit year in a row. Pre-sent /Pres-ent  IS the holiday theatre event of the year. If you've been an audience member before, you know. There's nothing in Memphis quite like it. This holiday-themed performing arts buffet will give you a taste of exciting new performance from local artists and leave you begging for more. Craving something sticky and sweet?...
    08/22/08- 09/07/08	Sister Myotis: Church Retreat TheatreWorks Sister Myotis: Church Retreat Presented by Voices of the South at TheatreWorks August 22-September 7, 2008 Get ready, Memphis! Sister Myotis is back with a brand new show. If you haven't had the pleasure of sitting in presence of the one and only divine deaconess of Ecclesiastical splendor, now is your chance. Being the head deaconess of an 80,000 member mega-church (The Good Tidings, Apostolic, Holiness, Christian, Fellowship of Saints) is not without its challenges. The faithful flocks need tending and the faithless… well, let's just say there's hope. Sister Myotis, Ima Lone, and...
    05/23/08- 05/25/08	The Memphis Children's Theatre Festival Rhodes College: McCoy Theatre The Memphis Children's Theatre Festival Presented by Voices of the South at Rhodes College: McCoy Theatre May 23-May 25, 2008 The mission of the festival is to create a safe, educational, affordable, and exciting festival atmosphere in which children and families attend innovative and original live theatre from local and national companies as well as participate in free arts oriented workshops and activities that foster the imagination. The children's festival acquaints the community with the work of Memphis artists and arts programming, promotes arts awareness, and help build a stronger, more invigorated...
    03/25/08	THIS TUESDAY: Works in Progress TheatreWorks THIS TUESDAY: Works in Progress Presented by Voices of the South at TheatreWorks March 25, 2008 YOU'RE INVITED! TUESDAY, MARCH 25th 8pm @TheatreWorks 2085 Monroe to become a part of "THE PROCESS ." Voices of the South is hosting an informal showing of some exciting WORKS IN PROGRESS. Last January, solo-performer, Rebecca Fisher (The Magnificence of the Disaster) kicked off a workshop process for local performers interested in making a solo-performance of their own. The work continued through February and into March. Now, it's time to share some of these "in...
    03/20/08- 03/30/08	The Magnificence of the Disaster TheatreWorks The Magnificence of the Disaster Presented by Voices of the South at TheatreWorks March 20-March 30, 2008 Back by popular demand Voices of the South and Playhouse on the Square present Rebecca Fisher's "THE MAGNIFICENCE OF THE DISASTER," an emotionally unflinching, often searchingly funny account of her Southern family's devastating journey from wealth and gentility to mayhem (and tragedy).
    01/22/08- 01/26/08	Storytelling/Solo Performance Workshop First Congregational Church Storytelling/Solo Performance Workshop Presented by Voices of the South at First Congregational Church January 22-January 26, 2008 This weekend workshop is for storytellers, writers, or performers who have a written story in mind, whether previously performed or brand new. Designed to deepen the performer's relationship to the piece, the workshop will allow us to explore various aspects of the story using improvisation, movement, storyboard and character work. Created and Facilitated by Rebecca M. Fisher. The workshop is currently full.

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    • Event Name: Hold Fast
      "Review by Bob Arnold - ArtsMemphis Rants & Raver"
      Comment posted by: Bob Arnold - ArtsMemphis Rants & Raver from Memphis, TN, Mar 08, 2010
      

      In many ways, there's nothing more theatrical than a solo performance. A single artist, often working on a bare or nearly-bare stage, using his or her voice, words, and a few props to give life to any... Expand

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      In many ways, there's nothing more theatrical than a solo performance. A single artist, often working on a bare or nearly-bare stage, using his or her voice, words, and a few props to give life to any number of characters, emotions, or issues. When done well, there's something elemental about such performances -- they bring you face-to-face with pure talent. Phil Darius Wallace's "Hold Fast," presented by Voices of the South, does just that. The show charts Wallace's life as an actor through his relationship with the poems of Langston Hughes. Along the way, we meet Wallace's parents, his mentor, and other heroes, including Martin Luther King, Malcolm X, and Richard Pryor. Wallace's journey is neither linear nor extremely dramatic, but it's always compelling, and Wallace is an undeniably powerful performer. It would be easy for a show like this to veer into navel-gazing, but Wallace and director Jerre Dye avoid that pitfall by keeping Hughes's poetry front and center, lending the events of Wallace's life a feeling of connectedness and larger significance. Those who enjoy the art of solo performance will be delighted by "Hold Fast," and those who haven't experienced the style will find this to be a great introduction. Collapse

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    • Event Name: The J&K Self-Rising Cabaret
      "Review by Bob Arnold - ArtsMemphis Rants & Raver"
      Comment posted by: Bob Arnold - ArtsMemphis Rants & Raver from Memphis, TN, Jan 24, 2010
      

      Voices of the South's "J&K;Self-Rising Cabaret," starring well-loved Memphis performers Jenny Madden and Kim Justis, feels less like an evening of theater and more like a fun night at a friend's... Expand

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      Voices of the South's "J&K;Self-Rising Cabaret," starring well-loved Memphis performers Jenny Madden and Kim Justis, feels less like an evening of theater and more like a fun night at a friend's place. The show plays out like a long conversation, following currents of thought that lead to jokes, songs, and heartfelt reminiscences. The two performers have a charming, easygoing chemistry that makes them great fun to watch. There's plenty of ham and cheese built into the show's gags, but the ladies (under the direction of VOTS Artistic Director Jerre Dye) are smart enough to deliver the real groaners with a knowing wink. Both performers have strong singing voices, and the songs they've chosen run the gamut from standards to unfamiliar gems, including a few you couldn't possibly have heard before (Ms. Justis's own "Dirty Whore Blues"). Throughout, J&K;are backed by a tight, energetic quartet that sounds great without ever overpowering the small space. Ostensibly, the show centers on what it means to be a woman in the "New South," but the answers aren't nearly as important as the discussion. Like perfect Southern hostesses, Jenny and Kim go to great lengths to keep you feeling welcome and entertained, all without seeming to break a sweat. Oh, and of course they feed you, too. Collapse

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    • Event Name: Pre-sent/Pres-ent 8: Home Sweet Home
      "Review by Bob Arnold - ArtsMemphis Rants & Raver"
      Comment posted by: Bob Arnold - ArtsMemphis Rants & Raver from Memphis, TN, Dec 15, 2009
      

      Seeing as how the same old songs, plays, and TV specials get trotted out at this time every year, you might think that the holidays are creatively bankrupt -- that, artistically, there's just nothing... Expand

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      Seeing as how the same old songs, plays, and TV specials get trotted out at this time every year, you might think that the holidays are creatively bankrupt -- that, artistically, there's just nothing left to say. Not so. Witness Voices of the South and Project Motion's "Pre-sent Pres-ent," an annual melange of original performance pieces that encompasses monologues, music, movement, and more. Developed by the performers in response to hand-built "gifts" (all of which are Memphis-themed this year), the pieces are by turns charming, thrilling, poignant, mysterious, surprising, and hilarious. And yet somehow it all hangs together effortlessly, leaving you with feelings of wonder and joy that other holiday shows try so desperately to evoke. As with any production this varied, you're bound to like some of the pieces more than others, but all of them are worthy additions, and none sticks around long enough to wear out its welcome. The fact that the evening is emceed by Steve Swift's pitch-perfect Sister Myotis is a major bonus. It's a thrill to go from his loose, improvisational style to a tightly choreographed movement piece and back again. What a gift: a holiday-themed show that manages to find some new things to say about the season, and that evokes sentiment without ever being sentimental. So go see it, but be sure to tuck something in your pocket for the Secret Santa Swap. You've been warned. Collapse

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    • Event Name: For Goodness Sake
      "Preview by David Prete"
      Comment posted by: David Prete - ArtsMemphis Rants & Raver from Memphis, TN, Oct 20, 2009
      

      Whether Elaine Blanchard is preaching to a congregation, telling stories to children, or playing a character on a theater stage, her audiences have a tough time placing her. At first, they think the... Expand

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      Whether Elaine Blanchard is preaching to a congregation, telling stories to children, or playing a character on a theater stage, her audiences have a tough time placing her. At first, they think the tiny, spiky-haired woman with the mousey voice may be from a distant time or place. And they can't keep their eyes off her. Then she swiftly puts her off-kilter audiences at ease, making them feel as if they've known this strange creature since childhood. This is Blanchard's gift: effortlessly looking through peoples' skin, religion, and gender, their agenda, their past, and their beliefs, directly to their heart. And before her audiences know it, they're doing the same. This weekend she'll be at Voices of the South's new theater, shining that gift on another audience and the ten-plus characters she'll play in her original solo show, For Goodness Sake. The play (written by Blanchard) is a true story about her experience growing up in rural pre-civil rights Florida. During that time she was exposed to some pretty strong racism, sexism, and religious oppression. Throughout the play we see her search for her own religion, sexuality, and goodness while struggling to heal childhood wounds left by her innocent participation in a racially motivated beating. Blanchard manages to tell this story with humor and compassion, never passing judgment on her characters. It's a piece of American history that reminds us how fast and slow we've progressed as a society. It also offers us the opportunity to look at ourselves and our surroundings with a questioning and merciful eye. Collapse

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    • Event Name: Sister Myotis's Church Retreat
      "A Church Retreat for Women"
      Comment posted by: Billy Pullen - ArtsMemphis Rants & Raver from Memphis, TN, Sep 21, 2009
      

      Is it a play? Is it a monologue? Is it performance art? Is it a variety show? Brothers and sisters, it's just like the title says, it's a church retreat for women, though several wayfaring men folks... Expand

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      Is it a play? Is it a monologue? Is it performance art? Is it a variety show? Brothers and sisters, it's just like the title says, it's a church retreat for women, though several wayfaring men folks were present last Saturday night, and let me tell you right now that Sister Myotis (Steve Swift) can flat out preach and set folks back on the straight and narrow. The cunning priestess has summoned an audience into the theatre where she can spread the news of living a righteous life, Sister Myotis style. Ably assisted and abetted by sensibly shoed Velma Needlemeyer, Todd Berry, (who used to weigh over 400 pounds, but thanks to God and surgery, is now a svelte fashion statement with a high-class hairdo) and by bespectacled Ima Lone (Jenny Odle Madden), the sensual offspring of two star-struck teenage snake handlers, Sister Myotis, raconteurs on cleanliness, marriage, sex, cooking, politics, and even death. For complete Billy Pullen review, see the Event Detail. Collapse

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    • Event Name: Sister Myotis's Church Retreat
      "Preview by David Prete - ArtsMemphis Rants & Raver"
      Comment posted by: David Prete from Memphis, TN, Sep 16, 2009
      

      You're in day one of a week-long training session for your new church group, the Honeybees Ladies' Auxiliary (HLA). As a new HLA member much is expected of you, because in many ways, the Auxiliary... Expand

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      You're in day one of a week-long training session for your new church group, the Honeybees Ladies' Auxiliary (HLA). As a new HLA member much is expected of you, because in many ways, the Auxiliary runs the church. HLA ladies will tell you they merely do the muscle work while the men make the decisions, but they do have the men's ears. Regardless of what you were before this retreat, you're now a woman. Explaining what you're in for this week is your host and President and Founder of HLA, Sister Myotis. She's a woman obsessed with power and accomplishing things for her church. She's of the: we're-all-right,-they're-all-wrong religion. She's also an overblown theatrical character played by actor/writer Steve Swift, longtime Voices of the South company member; and for the next three weeks she'll be appearing at Voices' new performance space: Theater South. Swift describes the show as "an interactive comedy show." It mixes the audience interaction and response of stand-up comedy with theatrical structure. There's some improvisation, but all in all it's a clown show. "My drag and pony show," says Swift. Myotis was created in 2002, as part of Voices' Present Present, a holiday show in which performers receive presents from Artistic Director, Jerre Dye, and create a short piece inspired by their gift. Swift was given a vial of glitter, a crown of thorns and the phrase, I give, and I give, and I give. These are such stuff as satires are made on. Ironic as it may seem, the play is not a satire on religion. But like all satire, it lays function beneath its humor. "It deals with the politics of human interaction." says Swift. "One person wanting power over another person." Church happens to be the perfect setting for that subject. As Sister Myotis' Church Retreat is the inaugural show in Theater South, a word about the space is in order. It's an intimate black-box in the basement level of First Congregational Church (1000 S. Cooper) and seats up to about 75. It has an entrance in the south parking lot and is wheelchair accessible. Sister Myotis has two helpers on this retreat: Sister Ima Lone (Jenny Odle Madden), a secretary, and Sister Velma Needlemeyer (Todd Berry), world-renown gospel tambourine player. In summer 2010, the three sisters will enjoy a month-long Off-Broadway run in NYC. Our blessings go with them. Collapse

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    • Event Name: Cicada
      "Inspiring"
      Review posted by: Impressed from Memphis, TN, Aug 30, 2009
      

      I saw this play this afternoon and I must say it was gorgeous. It has a very earthy feel and gave me access to a side of the south I don't often get to see living here. Well written and well... Expand

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      I saw this play this afternoon and I must say it was gorgeous. It has a very earthy feel and gave me access to a side of the south I don't often get to see living here. Well written and well performed. Collapse

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    • Event Name: Cicada
      "Cicada"
      Review posted by: Billy Pullen - ArtsMemphis Rants & Ravers from Memphis, TN, Aug 23, 2009
      

      Cicada, a new play by Voices of the South Artistic Director Jerre Dye, contains elements of a memory play, narrative theatre, and the Greek chorus. For the full review, see the event detail.

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      Cicada, a new play by Voices of the South Artistic Director Jerre Dye, contains elements of a memory play, narrative theatre, and the Greek chorus. For the full review, see the event detail.

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    • Event Name: Sister Myotis: Church Retreat
      "Gosh darn good cultural entertainment I sure guess."
      Comment posted by: An Okie that's NOT from Muskogee. from Edmond, Oklahoma, Apr 21, 2009
      

      A friend sent me a YouTub video of you beautifully lookin' funnee than a stripped down corn cob some kind of religiouslee country gal nut types and I laughed til mi eyeballs got wet. So, I then tried... Expand

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      A friend sent me a YouTub video of you beautifully lookin' funnee than a stripped down corn cob some kind of religiouslee country gal nut types and I laughed til mi eyeballs got wet. So, I then tried to find you webside butt then had to Goooooooooogleeeee to this here Memphis electrotronnic location. So, hear I am a thinking that this here funnnneeee stuff should come to the land of Okleeeohoma as we here also need a good laugh too, thongs and all considered. Have a good time....see ya! By the way, this hear site says thet I have 395 characters left, but I only kno bout 3 karacters here abots.Bye! Collapse

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    • Event Name: Voices of the South hosts The Memphis Children's Theatre Festival
      "A FUN FILLED DAY FOR FAMILIES"
      Review posted by: David & Dalila Early from Memphis, TN, Apr 07, 2009
      

      We are so lucky to have such a quality Theater Festival for Families in Memphis. Our family has attended every year and we love it! Besides all the fantastic performances there are always tons of... Expand

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      We are so lucky to have such a quality Theater Festival for Families in Memphis. Our family has attended every year and we love it! Besides all the fantastic performances there are always tons of great activities for children. We highly recommend it!! Collapse

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