ATLANTA — Sixty years after its debut, Langston Hughes’ gospel play Black Nativity continues to shine.  

First performed during the height of the Civil Rights Movement, the production broke new ground by presenting the story of Jesus Christ through gospel music, African rhythms, dance, and for one of the first times on a major stage, an all-Black cast.  

The original 1961 Off-Broadway production of Black Nativity featured dance legends Alvin Ailey and Carmen de Lavallade, bringing a powerful blend of movement and spiritual expression to Langston Hughes’ vision.

Today, it remains a powerful holiday tradition in Black communities nationwide. 

At Georgia Tech’s Ferst Center for the Arts, the Atlanta cast shared why the play’s message still resonates.  

“The people showing up needing hope, they leave with something they didn’t think they were going to get,” actor Dathan Thigpen said. “And they leave with it because we’re talking about Jesus.”

Actor and gospel great Latrice Pace says the show’s impact extends across cultures. 

“Even though we say Black Nativity, we all can connect with wanting to feel hopeful,” she said.  

She sees the production as a way to reclaim and share the story of Jesus in a way that speaks to all communities.

In Atlanta’s staging, traditional church practices such as call and response remain central, creating moments that feel more like worship than theater.  Actor Paris Bennett said that energy is what keeps generations of families returning each year. 

“It’s a full experience,” she said. “Black Nativity brings together families from generations.”

Black Nativity runs through Dec. 21 at Georgia Tech’s Ferst Center for the Arts.