Black Nativity

Black Nativity by Langston Hughes returns December 9-12, 2021 at the Marcus Center’s Wilson Theater at Vogel Hall. Hughes’ joyous holiday musical is a testament to his timeless work, telling the story of the Nativity through a combination of scripture, poetry, dance and song from the African-American perspective.

This year’s production features a fresh post-pandemic take on Hughes’ song play. Director Dimonte Henning is a proud local native and well-known director and actor.  Henning says, “I like to use art as a way of expression and social reform. What inspires me is life. The triumphs, the tragedies of life. The Black community has faced tragedy, after tragedy, throughout this past year and a half. From economic disadvantages that have plagued our community for decades and that are clear as day, to unjustified police killings, to loss of life due to a pandemic. But the triumph in all of this is: We Are Still Here. Still Alive. Still Breathing. With the power in our hands to tell our own stories. Simply put, we are here because of Jesus and that’s something to celebrate.”