The production is traditionally divided into two distinct halves, though it is designed with a "jazz-like" flexibility that allows individual directors to add their own contemporary touches:

"Black Nativity" is a seminal gospel song-play written by the legendary poet Langston Hughes that debuted off-Broadway in 1961. It is a cornerstone of African American theater, famously retelling the story of the birth of Jesus through an entirely Black lens, utilizing gospel music, African rhythms, and dance. Core Structure and Performance

"Black Nativity" serves as a vital fundraiser and cultural anchor for many African American institutions, such as the National Center of Afro-American Artists in Boston, which has staged its own version since 1968.

‘Black Nativity’: Let the spirits soar - Oregon ArtsWatch