Celebrating 15 Years, “Black Nativity Durham” Returns To The Virtual Stage
DURHAM, NC – Black Nativity Durham, presented by Triangle Performance Ensemble, returns as a virtual production for a second time due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Produced and directed by Wendell Tabb and co-produced by Xavier Cason, the annual holiday musical is celebrating 15 years of excellence in community theatre. Adapted and directed by Tabb, but originally conceived by Langston Hughes, Black Nativity is a soulful, gospel celebration about the birth of Jesus Christ and exhibits the true reason for the Christmas season.
The show continues with its traditional opening on the third weekend in December but performances are not occurring in its usual venue, Hillside High School’s Gattis-Tabb Theater. According to a statement provided by Dr. Julius Monk, Deputy Superintendent of Operational Services for Durham Public Schools, “Cabinet met to discuss reopening indoor facility rentals and decided not to move forward at this time. We will continue to evaluate pandemic trends to determine when might be the best time to open our indoor facilities to users outside of DPS.”
Black Nativity Durham is now streaming on-demand via ShowTix4U until December 31, 2021. Tickets for the production range from $10 to $15 and are available to purchase online at www.blacknativitydurham.com. Proceeds will support the Jeanne H. Lucas Scholarship Fund.
Tabb’s Black Nativity Durham adaptation has transported audiences to the momentous birth of Christ for over a decade. “We are celebrating 15 years of Durham’s Black Nativity. This is an annual event that has similar traditions all over the world. Our adaptation features a cast of over 100 of some of the area’s most talented singers, dancers, actors, and musicians, all coming together on one stage to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ,” said Tabb.
“Durham’s Black Nativity has a perfect home with Triangle Performance Ensemble. As it has been nurtured and cared for in our community for over ten years, I am excited to see this amazing gospel experience reach even more hearts and souls worldwide with this year’s virtual celebration,” states the show’s musical director Xavier Cason. “It’s an amazing group of musicians and singers that come to put together this show. Seeing so many individuals with such a wealth of talent work so seamlessly together year after year is another outstanding feature of the show.”
Comprised of both original music and contemporary gospel favorites, Black Nativity is different each year. Although presented annually, Tabb and Cason work diligently to create new artistic experiences throughout the production. “Over the past 15 years, the show’s music evolved tremendously featuring gospel classics, rousing contemporary spiritual pieces, and original music and arrangements,” said Tabb. Audiences can look forward to experiencing an uplifting and undeniably spiritual celebration. Black Nativity Durham is an excellent opportunity for all generations to focus on the true meaning of the Christmas season.
Triangle Performance Ensemble (TPE) is a nonprofit theatre arts company in Durham, North Carolina. The organization aims to develop professional talents in the performing arts (theatre, music, dance) for Durham and surrounding communities. TPE seeks to provide golden opportunities for audience members to experience innovative and creative theatre. Dr. Linda Kerr Norflett is the founder and Chair Emeritus.
For more information, visit www.blacknativitydurham.com.
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