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. Originally written by Langston Hughes, the show was first performed on Broadway on December 11, 1961, and was one of the first plays written by an African-American to do so. It has been performed in Boston, Massachusetts at Tremont Temple since 1969. The 160 singers are 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 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 opening in a dispute over changing the title to Black Nativity.

THE PERFORMING ARTS COLLECTIVE OF SAVANNAH is proud to engage itself in producing the classic musical, BLACK NATIVITY, which was written by the legendary Langston Hughes.

Since 2010, PAC Savannah has presented this great production to the people of Savannah and made Black Nativity a tradition in the community. PAC Savannah has also showcased some of Savannah’s best singers and dancers, performers of all ages and professional levels, making this one of the most inclusive productions in the area.

This production is inspired by the co-founder of the Performing Arts Collective of Savannah Clinton D. Powell, and is presented each year in his memory.

Please come out to the next showing of Black Nativity in Savannah, Georgia.