LANGSTON HUGHES
BLACK NATIVITY
Old Woman: Did you hear about it - a woman named Mary, they won't let her in the hotel?
Woman: Ain't that a shame?
Old Woman: Did you hear about iti? Big, rich, fine place- and no room for a poor woman to have her child! Did you-all hear?
Woman: Ain't it a shame?
Description: Black Nativity is the retelling of the story of the birth of Christ through an entirely African American cast. It has the same story line as the original Nativity, but it adds a touch of Black culture into the classic story
Explanation: The 1920's were a time of artistic innovation and expression for the Black community. Many artists and authors used aspects of their African heritage to create new styles of art, music, and storytelling. Hughes was one such artist who implemented his African roots in this retelling of the Nativity.
Evaluation: This is one of Hughes' most influential and well-known plays. It is still performed and interpreted by many acting groups and is considered to be a hallmark of the Harlem Renaissance.
Analysis: This play was a way for Black people to express themselves, their heritage, and their faith in a single play. African Americans were able to express themselves in ways they were not able to before making it a time of roaring progress in African American history.