Black Nativity Returns Live for its 51st Season Bringing Gifts of Hope and Joy

Boston, MA – Opening December 10 and continuing through December 19, 2021, The National Center of Afro-American Artists (NCAAA) will present Black Nativity at the Emerson Paramount Center, 559 Washington Street over two consecutive weekends. Saturday and Sunday matinees at 3:30 p.m., Friday and Saturday eveningshows at 8:00 p.m. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines are followed. An art auction and gala will occur virtually. Bostonians will return to a long-standing cherished tradition interrupted last year by the pandemic.

Written by Harlem Renaissance poet, essayist, and playwright Langston Hughes, Black Nativity retells the birth story of Christ through Black vernacular speech, Biblical narration, gospel music, and dramatic dance. Black Nativity was first performed on Broadway in 1961. The Boston production began in 1970. It profoundly reimagined and stamped Black Nativity with the artistic vision of NCAAA founding artistic director Elma Lewis, music director John Ross, and choreographer George Howard. Boston’s Black Nativity features children and adult choral performers and a much larger cast with the youngest member playing the Baby Jesus.

“Black Nativity brings us together to see each other’s smiles after a year of COVID-19 disruptions. We sorely need the hope that comes with new beginnings, the hope of which Black Nativity speaks,” said NCAAAExecutive Director Edmund Barry Gaither. Gaither continues, “Black Nativity is a gift from Boston’s Black community to people of ‘good will’ from all traditions.”

Voncille Ross, Executive Director, states that “Black Nativity means Christmas where joy and hope are given to everyone. It is an artful expression inclusive of all.”  Fostering artistic, spiritual, and intellectual growth within its cast of nearly seventy-five people, the production teaches the “littlest ones” to believe in themselves and it gives adults the opportunity to mentor the next generations while cultivating their own creative gifts. Black Nativity is building a better, stronger community. It’s not Christmas without Black Nativity.” 

The 51st season of Black Nativity is presented in collaboration with ArtsEmerson. It is pleased to count among its sponsors and supporters the Eastern Bank Charitable Foundation and the Museum of Fine Arts. 

Tickets range from $25 – $80 and may be purchased online at blacknativity.org/and the Emerson Paramount Center at emersontheatres.org/Online/article/Black-Nativity-2021. Group sales and sponsorship opportunities are available by contacting Sandi Bagley via phone: 617.436.8256or email: Blacknativity50@gmail.com. For more information visit the Facebook page facebook.com/blacknativityboston/.