Several themes that emerged during the Democratic National Convention — freedom, joy and hope — are also heavily featured in a new production by The New Renaissance LLC at Southern Theater, “Ancestors Rising: Ascension.”

Featuring theatre, dance, live music, rap and elaborate costumes that fuse African and Western fashion, the production is built around the concept of Afrofuturism, with the main characters travelling through time and space in their quest for self-realisation.

Poet and performer Joe Davis, who recently published his third book of poetry, “Unearthing Us,” and holds a master’s degree in theology of the arts from Luther Seminary, leads the production not only as the main character but also as several supporting characters. Jah Davis, Joe Davis’ alter ego, joins Jah Supreme and Lil’ Juicy, who appear as videos on a projected screen and are also portrayed by Davis.

In a dramatic moment, Davis fights with Juicy in a highly stylized dance battle choreographed by Cecil Neal. The live version of Davis fights with the screen version of Juicy in a battle that begins with the two characters throwing punches at each other and becomes more and more dance-like as time goes on. Eventually, the two characters appear to be dancing rather than fighting in highly gestural choreography.

Davis begins the journey with Oracle, played by Fazayah Rose Augusta. Augusta begins the show in a sheer cream-colored dress, her face protected by a veil and a pointed hat. Her main movements come from her fingers dancing intricately and her many rings glittering in the stage lights.

In a dialogue between Oracle and Davis, the characters reveal that they have traveled through time together many times, and Davis becomes jealous because Oracle is overly interested in another version of himself that exists in a different timeline. His jealousy somehow messes up time and the two are separated.

What follows is Davis’ journey to find Oracle and get to the highest timeline, “where I and my people are finally free,” he says. Along the way, he meets a number of characters who challenge his character as he fights his way through to find fulfillment.

The plot is fairly simple, but Davis brings his charismatic presence and vulnerability to his roles, and Augusta adds a dose of humor. Meanwhile, a great live band led by bassist and bandleader Nii Mensah, as well as impressive rap and singing performances and a bit of breakdancing from the ensemble members, keep the show entertaining.