Fri 12/9-Sun 12/18
In 1961, Black writer of the Harlem Renaissance, Langston Hughes, a Karamu alumni who lived in Cleveland in his teens, was commissioned to write a version of the Christmas story in 1961, when it was first performed off-Broadway. It utilizes dance, poetry, speeches, drumming, gospel music and spirituals to tell the story of Jesus Christ’s birth.
Karamu has performed the show as its holiday offering 33 times over the years, most recently in 2019. And it’s now going for 34, with one difference: it’s partnered with the Cleveland Play House to present the show at its home at Playhouse Square’s Allen Theatre, where it has potential to attract an even bigger and more diverse audience.
Karamu’s president/CEO directs and dancer Kailyn Mack, a Cleveland School of the Arts alum, returns in the role of Mary, which she played in the last two Karamu productions (2016 and 2019). Go here for tickets.
clevelandplayhouse/black-nativity