Event

Black Nativity

When the name Langston Hughes is mentioned, one immediately thinks of the brilliant American poet, social activist and leading figure of the Harlem Renaissance. Least-mentioned have been his body of work in the field of playwriting. On December 9th and 10th , Fayetteville will be treated to one of the last plays written by Hughes which will celebrate the 55th anniversary of its Broadway debut at the Lincoln Theater in New York City, 1961.

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. It was one of the first plays written by an African-American to be staged at the Lincoln Theater. The show had a successful tour of Europe in 1962, one of its appearances being at the Spoleto Festival of Two Worlds in Italy. Black Nativity has been performed annually by theater companies and churches across the country and is rightfully described as a hand-clapping, foot stomping, unapologetically joyous celebration of the gospel.