Black Nativity
Black Nativity is a retelling of the classic Nativity story with an entirely black cast. Traditional Christmas carols are sung in gospel style, with a few songs created specifically for the show. Originally written by Langston Hughes, the show was first performed on Broadway on December 11, 1961, and was one of the first plays written by an African-American to be staged there. It has been performed in Boston, Massachusetts at Tremont Temple since 1969. The original 160 singers were arranged by age group and vocal range, with an assortment of soloists, along with the narrator, and Mary and Joseph, who are both mute.
The show began with the theater completely darkened. Barefoot singers clad only in white robes and carrying (electric) candles walked in, singing the classic hymn "Go Tell It on the Mountain". The birth of Jesus was one of the most dramatic aspects of the show. The stage, previously lit with orange and blue lights, was bathed in a deep red hue. Mary's contractions were echoed through the use of African drums and percussion. The Three Wise Men were often played by prominent members of the black community in the neighboring area, and had no singing parts. The show closed with the chorus singing a reprise of "Go Tell It on the Mountain" as they walked out in darkness. A final soliloquy by a young child ended the performance.
The original name for this play was Wasn’t It a Mighty Day? Alvin Ailey was a part of the original Off Broadway cast, but he and Carmen de Lavallade departed from the show prior to opening in a dispute over changing the title to Black Nativity.[1][2][3]
A performance of this musical also has taken place every Christmas season since 1998 in Seattle, first at the Intiman Theater and currently at the Moore Theater. The theatrical director is Jackie Moscou, the music director is Patrinell Wright, and the choreography was designed by Donald Byrd. [4] It is a smaller production with 30 or so choir members - most of whom are also members of The Total Experience Gospel Choir, led by Pastor Patrinell Wright,[5] and the performance also includes 10 dancers and 5 musicians.
In 2004, a documentary film was made about the world premiere performance, production, and creation of the best-selling Gospel Christmas Album Black Nativity - In Concert: A Gospel Celebration and the original cast that brought it to life at the Immanuel Baptist Church in Portland, Maine. [6]
[edit] References
- ^ (http://african-american-playwrights.suite101.com/article.cfm/black_nativity_by_langston_hughes) Black Nativity by Langston Hughes: A Musical African-American Holiday Tradition by Sharyn Skeeter
- ^ "New House for Shows," The New York Times, 27 March 1957, p. 28.
- ^ Sam Zolotow, "'Rich and Famous' Adds a Producer," The New York Times, 4 December 1961, p. 49.
- ^ Moore Theater performance in Seattle of Black Nativity
- ^ Total Experience Gospel Choir - Choir History - FOUNDER/DIRECTOR BIO
- ^ Black Nativity - In Concert: A Gospel Celebration
