The holiday season is a time of tradition, celebration, and storytelling. Nothing captures the season’s spirit quite like the Cincinnati Black Theatre Company’s (CBTC) reimagining of Langston Hughes’ Black Nativity. This year’s production, titled Black Nativity: Yesterday, Today, and Forever in Spoken Word, promises to deliver an unforgettable experience that bridges the past, present, and future through the unique power of poetry, music, and performance.
When I spoke with Donald Sherman, Creative Director and Executive Producer of CBTC, I was struck by his passion for preserving and innovating the legacy of Black Nativity. “This isn’t just a play; it’s a celebration of our culture, faith, and resilience,” he told me. His enthusiasm was infectious, and I couldn’t wait to hear more about how this year’s production would stand apart.
As Sherman explained, this year’s version of Black Nativity incorporates spoken word—a contemporary art form that evokes emotion and relevance to Hughes’ timeless story. “The tagline, ‘Yesterday, Today, and Forever,’ reflects our goal of connecting the historical roots of this story to the struggles and triumphs of today’s world. Spoken word is the perfect medium to make that connection come alive,” he said.
The play tells the nativity story through the lens of African-American culture, weaving together the traditional Biblical narrative with gospel music, poetry, and now, spoken word. From the soulful voices of the choir to the raw power of the spoken word performances, every element of the production is designed to draw the audience into the story in a profoundly personal way.
As I listened, I could almost picture it: a stage alive with energy, the cast delivering powerful monologues that echo the hopes and struggles of generations, the music lifting spirits to the heavens. Sherman described it as “a visual and auditory feast,” and I believe him. The performance promises to be a deeply moving experience, a celebration of humanity’s enduring spirit.
But Black Nativity isn’t just a performance—it’s a community event. CBTC will stage its performances at Word of Deliverance Ministries, a fitting venue for a production that celebrates faith and togetherness. Sherman emphasized the importance of making the play accessible to all, with ticket prices affordable and special group rates to encourage families and organizations to attend. “This is a play for everyone, whether you’ve seen it a dozen times or it’s your first introduction,” Sherman said.
What stands out most about Black Nativity is its ability to unite people. In a time when the world feels increasingly divided, this production reminds us of the universal themes that connect us all: love, hope, and the promise of redemption. It’s not just a retelling of the Christmas story; it’s a celebration of the enduring spirit of humanity, a reminder that we are all part of a larger, hopeful narrative.
I asked Sherman what he hoped audiences would take away from this production. His answer was simple yet profound: “I want them to feel inspired. I want them to leave here with pride in their heritage and hope for the future. And most importantly, I want them to feel the joy of the holiday season.”
As I prepare to attend the show, I can already feel that joy building. Black Nativity: Yesterday, Today, and Forever in Spoken Word isn’t just a play—it’s a gift to Cincinnati, one that celebrates the past while inspiring us to keep moving forward.
I can’t recommend this production enough if you’re looking for a way to connect with the season’s true meaning. Performances will occur on December 13 and 14 at Word of Deliverance Ministries. Tickets are $30 for adults, $25 for seniors and children, and $20 for groups of 10 or more. Trust me—you don’t want to miss this.
For more information or to reserve tickets, visit www.CincinnatiBlackTheatre.org. This holiday season, let’s come together to celebrate the power of faith, culture, and community.
