Black Theatre Troupe's 'Black Nativity' returns for 39th year

Black Theatre Troupe's 39th annual production of Langston Hughes' "Black Nativity" opens on Friday, Dec. 6. Written by the poet and playwright in 1961, it visually and musically subverted American societal norms and American Christian beliefs about the birth of Jesus Christ, which mostly portrayed him and his semblance as Caucasian.

Using jazz and gospel music, the first half of "Black Nativity" retells the Biblical story and is adapted directly from Hughes’ play. The second half offers a unique, vibrant and rousing musical experience that mixes culture, community and gospel music into a joyous celebration of the season.

Although "Black Nativity" is a work for everyone, its production is a place where the African American community can come together to celebrate their culture through music and artistic creativity. As you will find out, that is important; it helps develop their empowering stories often ignored by the mainstream. This is their 55th season.

Phoenix New Times recently spoke with Tony Wheaton, director of "Black Nativity," ahead of the show's 2024 debut.

Phoenix New Times: How many years has "Black Nativity" been running in Arizona?
Tony Wheaton: 2024 is the 39th year Black Theatre Troupe has produced Black Nativity. (Black Theatre Troupe is 54 years old)

How many people are in the troupe?
For "Black Nativity," there are 34 cast and six musicians and then an additional 12 in production.

Why is this particular production so important to you?
I first got involved with Black Theatre Troupe when I performed in "Black Nativity" as a teenager. From there, I became more involved; I was cast in "The Wiz," then started to work with the company behind the scenes where I found my passion: producing and directing. Last year, I made my debut directing "Black Nativity," which was really well received, so to be asked to return is like coming full circle

What can audiences expect from this year’s production?
This year we have a younger cast and new, fresh songs, but most importantly we are using phrasings and stylings that are more relevant to younger gospel singers of today. So audiences will experience the first act with its traditional gospel songs, and then combined with the second act, they will see how gospel has contemporized over the years.

(Black Theatre Troupe Executive Director) David J. Hemphill has said this show offers a unique perspective on the Nativity story. Historically, this story has been told from a Caucasian angle, but in the part of the world where it takes place people were of color. How do you feel about people thinking this story is diverse rather than historically accurate?
We hope that when people see our version of the Nativity story, it will prompt them to explore and research to find the true origins of the Nativity story. "Black Nativity" provokes this question and we hope it helps people more easily understand the origins of where the story came from.

I’ve been told that the second half of the production is unique. How so?
Each year, "Black Nativity" is different. The first act is always the Nativity story as written by Langston Hughes: his song-play with traditional gospel stylings and traditional gospel songs.

Then the second act is a contemporary concert. All of the performers in the second act are well-known local gospel artists, so when the production is being planned and put together, our Musical Director, Brenda Hankins, and I look at the cast and work together to select the special songs that those singers are known for — their show pieces. 'Black Nativity' shows the evolution of gospel music and the African American church.

Why is Black theater so important to the community?
Black theater is important to the community in many ways. For the audience, while all of the stories we tell are universal, with themes that are recognizable to people of all backgrounds, it's important for people to know the significance of African American culture and see things through the lens of the Black experience.

For me personally, I feel that Black Theatre Troupe offers people opportunities that wouldn’t be possible in other places. Like, I don’t think I would ever have gotten the opportunity to be a director because I had no prior directing experience. But being part of the Black Theatre Troupe, I was given the freedom to learn, observe and grow behind the scenes. I had the ability to see what directing was all about, shadow other directors, work with Mr. David and then I was given the opportunity to actually direct. And now, here I am; I’m directing and producing more, I’ve been nominated for a directing award, and I’m returning to direct this show.

Black Theatre Troupe's "Black Nativity": Dec. 6 to 15 at the Helen K. Mason Performing Arts Center, 1333 E. Washington St. Tickets are $50 and can be purchased by calling the Black Theatre Troupe at 602-258-8128 or online at blacktheatretroupe.org.