Black Nativity

The National Center of Afro-American Artists (NCAAA) proudly presents the 56th season of Langston Hughes’ classic gospel song cycle, Black Nativity. A holiday tradition throughout the United States and the world, Black Nativity welcomes all people, far and wide, into our circle of light. This is the Nativity story told through the lens of the African American experience, but its message belongs to everyone who has ever needed hope, ever sought home, ever dreamed of a world that lifts us all toward a greater appreciation of our shared humanity.

Each year, NCAAA offers Black Nativity to Boston — the longest-running production of the musical in the world — as a gift to people of “good will” from all spiritual traditions and cultural backgrounds, through music, dance, spoken word, and theater. Under the artistic direction of Desiree A. Springer, Boston’s Black Nativity retains the artistic legacy of NCAAA Founder Elma Lewis; Director of Drama Vernon Blackman; Choreographer George Howard; and legendary Nigerian master percussionist Michael Babatunde Olatunji. The show’s music is set to the arrangements and adaptations of NCAAA Founding Music Director John Andrew Ross.

Though based on the story of the birth of the Christ Child, as told in the New Testament gospels, Black Nativity is a testament to the joy of new birth and to the hope that fills people of “good will” from all traditions. Ours is a message of transformation and spiritual uplift.