December 15, 2009 Adam Sherwood

avsherwood1@yahoo.com

    “Some children see Him dark as they, sweet Mary’s son to whom we pray. Some children see Him dark as they, and ah! They love Him too.”
    So goes the lyrics to the old song, “Some Children See Him.”
    Of all Christmas images, the nativity is the most iconic. Unfortunately that image, having been filtered through a European and Medieval mindset, lacks much in the way of cultural diversity.
    African-American writer Langston Hughes sought to change that when he wrote the play “Black Nativity.” Hughes’ play is an interpretation of the traditional Nativity using and all African-American cast. It also features traditional carols and some original songs in a gospel style. It was first performed on Broadway in 1961.
    Statesboro residents will soon be able to enjoy a production of “Black Nativity” thanks to Producer Cleve White, owner of Cleve White Nissan and Director Mical Whitaker. White remembers being approached by Whitaker who wanted him to be involved with something in the community.
    “What better thing to be involved in? [The birth of Christ] is one of the most important things!” he explained.
    White also had another reason for getting involved.
    “There’s not a lot of African-American art at the [Averitt Center],” said White. He hopes to help the community by showing African-Americans in a positive light. “The arts provide an intellectual development that is missing when people aren’t exposed to them.”
    Ultimately, he hopes people will be encouraged to get involved with the arts and become actors and actresses. The play has been performed the past four years with the exception of last year.
    Director Mical Whitaker is excited about this year’s production.
    “We’re doing some switching around with the actors,” Whitaker said. “Last year’s shepherds will become this year’s kings.” The play features mostly local actors and actresses.
    “We’ve got some people from the Statesboro School of Dance and a new Mary and Joseph pair,” said Whitaker.
    The preparation for the play is surprisingly easy. The cast will do three day intensive, on site rehearsals, but Whitaker says, “A lot of those involved sing together in church every Sunday.”
    In fact, Whitaker says the hardest work comes before those three days.
    “Most of the work is in choosing soloists and music” he explained. “Sometimes you hear music in June that you think would be great for the Nativity.”
    It might seem complicated, but all that work is for one very specific purpose.
    “This is a very simple story,” Whitaker said. “All we want to do is tell the story of the Nativity from an African-American vantage point.”
    He said that there will even be a church service during the show.
    “Black Nativity” will be playing Friday and Saturday (Dec. 18 and 19) at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $15 in advance, $20 at the door. It's $10 for youth ages 15 and under.
    Group rates are also available.
    They are available at the Averitt Center box office and Cleve White Nissan. You can call the Averitt Center at (912) 212-ARTS or Cleve White Nissan at (912) 681-4700 for more information.

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