“Black Nativity,” one of the first plays written by an African-American to be performed Off-Broadway, debuted on this date in 1961. Langston Hughes’ self-described “gospel song play” was staged at New York Citys Lincoln Theater. The Christmas story performed in dialog, narrative, pantomime, gospel song, and folk spirituals is an expression of Hughes late-in-life interest in African-American spirituality and the oral traditions of the African-American church. It has been performed annually in Boston, Massachusetts, at Tremont Temple since 1969. The original 160 singers were arranged by age group and vocal range, with an assortment of soloists, along with the narrator, and Mary and Joseph, who are both mute. The show began with the theater completely darkened. Barefoot singers clad only in white robes and carrying (electric) candles walked in, singing the classic hymn Go Tell It on the Mountain. The birth of Jesus was one of the most dramatic aspects of the show. The stage, previously lit with orange and blue lights, was bathed in a deep red hue. Marys contractions were echoed through the use of African drums and percussion. The Three Wise Men were often played by prominent members of the black community in the neighboring area, and had no singing parts. The show closed with the chorus singing a reprise of Go Tell It on the Mountain as they walked out in darkness. A final soliloquy by a young child ended the performance. The original name for this play was Wasn’t It a Mighty Day? Alvin Ailey was a part of the original Off-Broadway cast, but he and Carmen de Lavallade departed from the show prior to its opening, in a dispute over the title being changed to Black Nativity. Below is a clip from the show.
Posted on: Thu, 11 Dec 2014 17:29:46 +0000
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