Black Nativity is an unforgettable holiday celebration, blending powerful gospel music, African dance, and vibrant visuals to tell the story of Jesus’ birth. This stunning production is running from December 12 to 22, 2024, at the Ferst Center for the Arts, offering an extraordinary experience that honors African American traditions while celebrating the true meaning of Christmas.
The show opens in a contemporary African American church on Christmas Day. Pastor Bridgewater, played with commanding presence by griot Marcus Hopkins-Turner, sets the tone with heartfelt preaching and powerful storytelling. The congregation comes alive through fervent singing, passionate deacons, and spirited women, filling the space with a palpable sense of joy, faith, and celebration. The energy from the very first note is contagious, drawing the audience into a world filled with praise and reverence.
Sakina Bennett, as Mary, and Tony DeBerry, as Joseph, deliver beautifully understated performances, embodying the purity, grace, and strength of their journey to Bethlehem. The musical high point comes with their duet of “Mary, Did You Know?”, a soul-stirring moment that lingers long after the final note. This is followed by powerful renditions of beloved spirituals, each song performed with both reverence and exuberance, deepening the emotional impact of the narrative.
Visually, Black Nativity is a feast for the eyes. Costume designer Jarrod Barnes showcases a stunning array of traditional African attire. The vibrant Kente cloth, intricate mud cloth patterns, and cowrie shell-adorned tunics elevate the regal stature of the Three Wise Kings. The angels, draped in flowing white caftans with shimmering gold-thread embellishments and crystal-adorned halos, dazzle under the stage lights, appearing as ethereal beings. Barnes’ meticulous attention to detail creates a visually striking production, blending African heritage with the Christmas story to honor both cultures.
The choreography is another standout element of the production, seamlessly merging traditional African dance with ballet and gospel-inspired movement. Ballerina Charray Helton delivers a breathtaking performance, executing a flawless pirouette en pointe, mesmerizing the audience with her grace. The ensemble’s rhythmic energy and fluid movements bring the Nativity story to life in dynamic and sacred ways, making each moment visually stunning.
What makes Black Nativity extraordinary is its ability to blend tradition, culture, and spirituality into one cohesive experience. The production transports the audience from a contemporary church setting to the sacred journey of Mary and Joseph to Bethlehem, all while weaving together music, movement, and storytelling. The show highlights African American traditions and cultural pride, making it a true celebration of faith, resilience, and the Christmas story’s timeless meaning.
This is more than a musical; it’s a cultural and spiritual experience that resonates deeply with audiences. Black Nativity invites you to rejoice, reflect, and connect with the beauty of the season through the power of gospel music and African heritage. The production offers a unique opportunity to witness the Nativity story reimagined through an African American lens, celebrating the birth of Jesus in a powerful and joyous way.
Don’t miss your chance to experience this exceptional holiday event. Black Nativity runs until December 22, 2024, at the Ferst Center for the Arts, with tickets available for the following remaining performances:
- Sunday, Dec 15, 3 – 5 PM
- Thursday, Dec 19, 7:30 – 9:30 PM
- Friday, Dec 20, 7:30 – 9:30 PM
- Saturday, Dec 21, 2 – 4 PM & 7:30 – 9:30 PM
- Sunday, Dec 22, 3 – 5 PM
To reserve your spot, visit www.blacknativityatl.com or call (404) 894-9600. This is your chance to be part of a holiday experience unlike any other, a spectacular celebration of faith, family, and culture.
