Amun Ra Theatre presents Langston Hughes' <em>Black Nativity</em> in Shamblin Theatre

The Amun Ra Theatre’s (ART) 5^th anniversary production of Langston Hughes’ Black Nativity will be staged in Lipscomb University’s Shamblin Theatre, Dec. 18-20.

 

This marks the first year the show will be produced on the Lipscomb campus, and the university is a major sponsor of what promises to be a landmark event for the Nashville community. Lipscomb staff and students will have the opportunity to work alongside ART’s professional crew, which includes nationally recognized lighting designer Scott Leathers.

 

The 5^th anniversary production of Black Nativity will be an event for the whole family to enjoy, featuring the children of the Amun Ra Performing Arts Academy alongside some of the stars of previous Nativity productions that have dazzled audiences throughout the years.

 

Tickets are $10 and may be purchased online at www.brownpapertickets.com or by phone at 1-800-838-3006. For more information, call 329-4228. Friday, Dec. 18,  and Saturday, dec. 19, performances begin at 7:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 20, performances are at 3 p.m. and 7 p.m.

 

Black Nativity is the story of the birth of Christ, culled from the book of St. Luke, by the legendary Harlem Renaissance poet/novelist/lyricist/essayist Langston Hughes. The Gospel “Song Play,” as it has been described, employs vibrant music, high-energy dance, and poetry. The storytellers will lead you through “the greatest story ever told” like many have never seen it shared. The play will celebrate the universal humanity found in the Christmas story, from an African perspective.

 

 

 

“I'd like the audience to be able to celebrate the reason for the season in a jubilant and reflective way,” states Dr. jeff obafemi carr, who will direct and appear in this year’s production. “This year's Nativity is more like a ‘greatest hits’ of the previous 4 years. We have some of the best and most recognizable singers and actors we've used in the past who are doing a homecoming of sorts.”

 

The gospel musical features the Amun Ra Youth Performing Arts Academy alongside ART staple company members Shonka Dukureh, Kenetha carr, Todd Suttles, and newcomer Aleta Myles, among many others. The top-notch ART Jazz Ensemble will perform the music, anchored by musical directors melvin “MAESTRO” lightford, Jr. and alex stadaker. The show will be choreographed by the creative Nomalanga Eniafe, who recently choreographed Before The People Came for its run at the National Black Theatre Festival (Summer ’09).

 

In the words of Dr. carr, “This is a show you can bring the entire family to and meditate on just how wonderful and magical humanity's expression of holiday thankfulness is. We are especially excited to partner with Lipscomb University on this show. There are a lot of great things happening on the campus and hopefully, when people come out to see this show, from all areas of the region, they’ll be treated to a great show at a great institution.”

 

 

 

To celebrate five years of Black Nativity and the ART’s recent successful fund-raising campaign, ART is offering a flat rate ticket of $10.00, and all seats are general admission. The show, which typically sells out at higher prices, is being presented to the Nashville community as a “gift” for all the support it has offered the company throughout 2009, which saw a string of local hits including, Gem Of The Ocean, Like It Was The Last Day, and I Ain’t Yo Uncle: The New Jack Revisionist Uncle Tom’s Cabin.

 

ART recently completed a successful grassroots fundraising effort, during which carr lived on top of the theater for over a week to raise $30,000 for the Performing ARTs Academy. “So we all decided that we wanted to give something back to our growing number of friends and supporters. This partnership with Lipscomb allows us to do this. So we want to see the entire city take advantage of the opportunity to see the highest caliber show at the most affordable price. Merry Christmas, Nashville,” said carr.