When Black Nativity opened in New York in 1961, Langston Hughes had been a published poet and essayist for 40 years. It was one of the first plays by an African American to be staged off-Broadway. And it has received productions around the country ever since.
"I think he wanted to show that there's divinity in the African-American community, as well. I mean, during that time we can all remember through history what was going on in our country in the early '60s," says director, Malkia Stampley. "This was Langston Hughes' way to give some power to the Black voice and show that we are royalty, too."
Malkia Stampley is one of the founders of the Bronzeville Arts Ensemble and the director of Black Nativity, which opens December 1 at Vogel Hall in the Marcus Center.
