Category Archives: On Stage

CINCINNATI, OH. (Dec. 4, 2023) – The Cincinnati Black Theatre Company (CBTC) continues its longstanding tradition of the musical and worship celebration of Black Nativity December 8 – 16 at Word of Deliverance Ministries for the World, Inc.

Black Nativity is an adaptation of the Nativity story written by Langston Hughes. The play was initially performed off-Broadway in 1961 and was one of the first plays written by an African American to be staged there.

Since its premiere in 1961, it has been performed around the world and is Hughes’ longest-running production. Black Nativity has become a staple during the Christmas season for audiences of all ages, and CBTC is the only theater company in the city to perform the story.

CBTC first ran the play in 2002 and has continued the tradition at prominent locations in the Greater Cincinnati area. Every year, the company breathes new life into this Christmas classic by adding new songs, dance numbers, and unique ways to tell the story.

“Black Nativity is a homecoming of sorts for the community. It’s a time where people of all ages and backgrounds come together to take in this classic story, and I can’t wait for them to see the new and refreshing twists we’ve added to this year’s show,” said Donald Sherman, Executive Director, CBTC.

This year marks a new beginning for Black Nativity, with the next generation of talent coming to the stage and giving an updated take on this classic story.

There will be six performances over the span of eight days for as many people in the community to get a chance to experience the show.

Tickets are available on the CBTC website and can be purchased at the box office on the day of the performances.

Performances:

• Fri, Dec. 8 at 7:30pm
• Sat, Dec. 9 at 2pm & 7:30pm
• Fri, Dec. 15 at 7:30pm
• Sat, Dec. 16 at 2pm & 7:30pm

CBTC was officially formed as a result of successfully producing the Midwest Regional Black Theatre Festival in 1998 and 2000, which it continues to produce biennially at venues throughout Greater Cincinnati and surrounding areas. Since CBTC gained its 501(c)(3) non-profit status on November 20, 2001, it has enlightened over one million people throughout the Tri-State region and beyond about the wealth and value found in African-American theatre, culture, and history. People of all cultural, ethnic, and socio-economic backgrounds and ages are invited to participate and attend. CBTC programs and activities cover Greater Cincinnati and the Tri-State region and serves children and adults from diverse populations, the majority being a broad cross-section of African Americans, with an educational focus on disadvantaged youth, ages 4 – 21, from typically under-served communities.

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