Lasheda Wallace
Guest Writer
For most Christians the story of the birth of Jesus is pretty clearly defined. Just turn to the New Testament and there you will find everything one needs to know about how the Savior came into being. The Nativity brings together Mary, Joseph, the Christ Child, the shepherds, the angels, the animals and then on Epiphany, the Wise Men.
Black Nativity tells the story of how God came to be through gospel, song, poetry, and dance. Directed by Mark G. Henderson, and written by Langston Hughes, this wonderful production will leave you wanting more. This musical production is important because there are many that have heard the story of Jesus’ birth but will experience it in a different, deeper way, once they see it performed. The message of his birth and how that single event has changed us, our history and our hearts is of real importance.
We read the Bible to strengthen our faith and to get a clear understanding of the story of heaven and earth. Why not see the story visually? When you picture the story of Christ, what do you see? The Department of Speech Communication and Theatre will present this image visually and live.
Dr. Mark G. Henderson spoke about why Black Nativity is important to him.
“Such a wonderful Savior to be born in manger! To me Black Nativity is a feel good production that reminds us exactly why Jesus is the reason for the season. The cast is comprised of the Department of Speech and Theatre majors, MADDRAMA members, local vocal artists, members of the Mississippi Choir, and friends of the University. This production reminds me of what’s really important in life: the love of family and friends.”
This newly annual production will absolutely blow you away. I was honored to be cast in the production last year. While onstage, in character, I found myself enthralled by the singing and the acting from the other cast members. Every day of the production, I would look forward to attending as an audience member and actually forgot that I was part of the cast. If you are a huge fan of music, then this is the production for you.
With feel good church anthems such as, “There’s a leak in this old building and Mary, What You Gonna Name That Pretty Little Baby,” this production is sure to leave you inspired, feeling good, motivated but most of all, joyous. This legendary Christmas event, the black community’s Christmas gift to the world, is without a doubt, a theatrical wonderment. A joyous cast of singers, actors, poets, dancers, and musicians delivers its powerful message of joy, hope, victory and liberation.
For more information about this production, call 601-979-5956 or visit our website at 10.14.12.245/speechandtheatre and click on Box Office. Or visit our box office located in the Rose E. McCoy Lobby. Tickets are available for sale online.
