9th Annual Black Nativity by Langston Hughes 2024
Black Nativity By Langston Hughes 2024
Black Nativity by Langston Hughes returns for its 9th Annual Holiday Musical Production, December 5-8, 2024, at the Wilson Theater at Vogel Hall, Marcus Center. Hughes’ joyous holiday musical is a testament to his timeless work, telling the story of the Nativity through a combination of scripture, poetry, dance and song from the African-American perspective.
Each year, Black Arts MKE showcases MKE-based professionals and emerging theater talent. We provide new opportunities for next-gen artists to display their artistic skills and work alongside the Marcus Center’s seasoned backstage professionals.
Black Nativity by Langston Hughes is led by Artistic Director Wanyah L. Frazier and features a new familial take on Hughes’ song play by emerging artist and first year Black Nativity Director Ashley S. Jordan. Choreography is led by international professional dancer and teaching artist Debrasha Greye, along with returning veteran Music Director Antoine Reynolds.
Black Arts MKE 10th Anniversary Season is generously supported by Bader Philanthropies, Greater Milwaukee Foundation, Herzfeld Foundation, and Johnson Controls Foundation
Bonus Content:
Stick around after the show for a post-show talkback with some of the cast!
Community Night – December 5, 2024 @ 7:30 PM:
Tickets for the Community Night performance are $25 plus tax and fees. Please call or visit the MPAC Box Office to purchase.
Box Office Hours –
Phone (414.273.7206): M-F, 10 AM – 4 PM
Windows: M-F, Noon – 4 PM
Artistic Director
Wanyah L. Frazier
“Creatively Black Nativity will take audiences on a heartwarming journey of familial love, faith, and the creation of new family traditions and norms. Audiences will be inspired by relatable, but current family stories, a home reminiscent of Christmas, and entranced by a dreamlike vision of Bethlehem. Black Nativity represents a reclamation of the Black narrative and a staple of the Black creative culture. As we move into a period of ‘Renaissance’ in Milwaukee’s creative environment, we have the opportunity to create a rendition of Black Nativity that provides an intergenerational, culturally expansive and professional arts experience.”
Director
Ashley S. Jordan
“As a new director, I want to introduce multiple artistic influences throughout the world of today with Black traditions and iconic moments throughout the history of Black Nativity performances. Black Nativity 2023 shifts in dynamic energy, relevance and also a dichotomy of righteousness, redemption, and oral tradition. Black Nativity is an anchor in the community and to those who experience cultural variations of the African, and African American diaspora.”
Group tickets
About Black Arts MKE
Black Arts MKE’s mission is to increase the availability and quality of African American arts and culture. We’re a Black-led performing arts organization who serves predominantly Black communities. We produce, present, and/or commission new performance arts works including classic works, readings, conversations, and festivals, as well as Black-led institutions focused on Black audience development, all rooted in the full diversity, complexity, and intersectionality of the Black Experience.
