“Black Nativity” returns to Black Arts MKE for its ninth year on Dec. 5-8 as its crown jewel production.
The play, adapted from Langston Hughes’ “Black Nativity,” features the “Nativity of Jesus” through a Black lens. The production has been ongoing for nine years as a popular mainstay around Christmas in Milwaukee. Famously the play has run around the country since the 1960, when Hughes wrote it as an off-Broadway play, and has seen Black communities perform the production for decades.
The story is split between the classic “Nativity of Jesus” and a modern-day setting. Themes are centered on making their way through modern society and all the struggles, challenges, celebrations and joy that come along with it.
This year, Ashley S. Jordan will be in a directorial role with artistic director Wanayah L. Frazier. The two in combination aim to bring more scenes of dreamy mysticism with longer contemporary ballet by Debrasha Geye.
“The production will explore the Black family and an authentic depiction of Black church culture as the focal point. Plus, there will be a lucid dream layer that connects to historical Jerusalem culture,” Jordan said. “Jesus, both as a child and adult, will move throughout the space and as the story progresses, scenes will oscillate from domestic life to transcendent experiences, reflecting both the struggles and triumphs of faith.”
The play is a rare opportunity to highlight Black actors and have them paid. The arts in Wisconsin are poorly funded and even more so for marginalized communities. The state frequently ranks last or near the bottom year after year for public funding for the arts. In 2024, Wisconsin moved from the second worst to the worst state for funding of the arts at 18 cents per capita, WPR reported.
“Black Nativity” will be held Dec. 5-8 in Wilson Theater at Vogel Hall, 121 E. State St., Milwaukee.
Tickets can be purchased for $25 for Community Night on Dec. 5; shows Dec. 6-8 start at $50. Tickets and schedules are available at the Marcus Performing Arts Center’s website.
