Black Nativity

Mary, Joseph, and the infant Jesus photograph (ca. 1970s)
Rehearsal photographs (ca. 1975)
Program (ca. 1985)

African American theater in Boston has taken many forms, bringing new modes and subjects to the stage. “The Black community’s Christmas card to the world,” Langston Hughes’ song-play Black Nativity has been performed continuously in Boston since 1969 under the auspices of the National Center for Afro-American Artists. Incorporating scripture, verse, music, and dance, Black Nativity is a retelling of the birth of Jesus through intrinsically African American modes of expression, and embodies the pride of the African American community in their own rich artistic heritage. From the National Center for Afro-American Artists records.

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Black Nativity cast singing in rehearsal
National Center of Afro-American Artists

Children rehearsing for the Black Nativity
National Center of Afro-American Artists

Black Nativity photograph
National Center of Afro-American Artists

Langston Hughes' Black Nativity
Lewis, Elma
Hughes, Langston
National Center of Afro-American Artists