Black Nativity retells the Nativity story set to jubilant gospel music, dramatic dance, black vernacular and Biblical narrative.

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 off-Broadway in 1961, and was one of the first plays written by an African- American to be staged there.

Since 1970, Black Nativity has been performed annually in Boston where it has been re-imagined and profoundly stamped by National Center of Afro-American Artists (NCAAA) Artistic Director Elma Lewis, Music Director John Andrew Ross and Choreographer George Howard. In the spirit of their innovations, the show feels new every year.