Black Nativity

An exciting and joyous celebration, "Black Nativity" at Fulton County Southwest Arts Center is an adaptation of the time-honored musical play originally written by Harlem Renaissance poet, novelist and playwright Langston Hughes. Gospel Christmas music is wonderfully blended with traditional African dance and masterfully executed by a talented cast.

The birth of Jesus is told with an all-black cast, which places the nativity in a different and much needed context compared to conventional depictions that use mainly white casting. The African-American perspective reminds us of the actual geographic location of Bethlehem -- Palestine, which neighbors the African continent. Moreover, the production provides an outlet of expression for a community whose perspective is often overlooked.

"Black Nativity" runs through Dec. 21 at Fulton County Southwest Arts Center, 915 New Hope Road in Atlanta. For information or tickets, call 404-613-3220 or visit http://www.fultonarts.org/

After a prelude by three women, the opening scene is a church service, with a congregation where everybody knows everybody. The warmth is palpable as the choir moves into a rousing Gospel hymn. Soon after, the pastor begins her sermon on the importance of Jesus in celebrating Christmas.

An extended African dance and drumming sequence establishes the tone and setting for the events leading up to and after the birth. A substantial cast of dancers showcase their talent and skill to give the audience an immersive presentation.

This production of "Black Nativity" follows the tradition of casting dancers as Mary and Joseph, featuring Veronica Johnson and Stephan Reyolds. Using the entire body to express a full range of emotions from fear, uncertainty and frustration to joy, love, reverence and hope is riveting to watch. The birth scene in particular is intensified by the addition of drums.

The charismatic pastor is transformed into a griot, or West African oral historian and community leader. She weaves in and out of scenes to move the narrative along or to impart insight on the events at hand.

Songs are performed in the emotive Gospel style, some being familiar Christmas standards with others being unique to the production. A live band and African drummers enhance the experience. Numbers performed a capella, or with voices only, are particularly moving.

After the nativity itself, our frame story continues back in the contemporary church setting, only with the congregants still wearing their traditional African clothing. The pastor finishes her sermon on the importance of Jesus, noting that the sacrifices of Mary, Joseph and Jesus are still relevant today. The moment is a visual representation of an ancient struggle still being carried and celebrated by a community in the present era.

The retelling of the nativity of Jesus from a black perspective is important because of the lack of representation in our mainstream media's versions of the Christmas story. This production centers black experience, voices and talent to create a vital space for these to exist and flourish. It also pays tribute to the black Christian experience of joyous worship, community engagement and celebration.

Such a successful production could not have been possible without a highly talented cast of singers, dancers and actors, including alumni from the Alvin Ailey School in New York. It features incredible talent from the Atlanta area and beyond, including Margo Moorer, Q Parker and Zebulon Ellis. "Black Nativity" delivers an unforgettable, jubilant experience that's perfect for celebrating Christmas in Atlanta.