60 years later, Langston Hughes’ Black Nativity continues to inspire

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