Black Nativity

A wonderful finish and a new beginning

The 38 th season of Langston Hughes’ Black Nativity closed with a wonderful bang—a performance that filled the house. In fact, the season enjoyed increased attendance, increased income and great press. As before, Citizens Bank of Massachusetts was a major supporter. Celeste and David Lee brought great vitality to the annual reception, and we are very grateful for their enthusiastic advocacy. The guests that they assembled responded generously to the skills of former board chairman and auctioneer Thomas Farrington, and made the auction our most successful ever. We’ve closed the year with high hopes for 2008.

Shaynah Barnes, who has danced the role of Mary since l993, chats backstage with baritone soloist Joseph D. Warren.

Dates for our 39th season of Black Nativity are Dec. 5, 6, 7, 12, 13, 14, 19, 20, and 21. The Black Nativity website will be available to handle ticket purchases September 1, 2008 at www.BlackNativity.org.

Boston’s National Center of Afro-American Artist’s production of Hughes' song-play is the longest running performance in the world! Combining gospel music and song with dance and poetry, this unforgettable rendition of the Christmas story is a delight for the entire family. Black Nativity continues the tradition of Elma Lewisthe founder of the National Center of Afro-American Artists.

In the spirit of Langston's original innovation, the NCAAA has brought new dimensions to Black Nativity which have stamped the brilliance of its production over the past 38 years and has made it a classic for the holiday season in
New England.