Black Arts MKE celebrates 9th season of Black Nativity

Langston Hughes’ Black Nativity, first performed Off-Broadway in 1961, returns to Milwaukee’s Marcus Center. The groundbreaking musical retells the Nativity story through African-American cultural traditions. Black Arts MKE presents its ninth season of this holiday classic December 5-8. Director Ashley S. Jordan incorporates traditional gospel spirituals with contemporary arrangements by music director Antoine Reynolds.

The production maintains Hughes’ original vision of combining gospel music with African drums. The show opens with performers in white robes singing “Go Tell It on the Mountain.” D’Shaunta Stewart and Dacosta Martin lead the all-black cast as Mary and Joseph. The 90-minute performance includes traditional Christmas carols reimagined through gospel arrangements.

The six-show run begins Thursday, December 5, with an 11:00 a.m. student matinee. Evening shows run Thursday and Friday at 7:30 p.m.Saturday features performances at 2:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., concluding Sunday at 2:00 p.m. Each show includes post-performance discussions.

Black Arts MKE continues Hughes’ tradition of cultural celebration through artistic expression. Tickets are available at blackartsmke.org/blacknativity.