More than 60 years later, Langston Hughes’ ‘Black Nativity’ is still a pillar of African American theater

Students at Jackson State University in Mississippi present their annual production of 'Black Nativity' in 2017. Charles A. Smith/Jackson State University/Historically Black Colleges & Universities via Getty Images

During the end of every calendar year, a particular holiday performance pops up in African American communities and cultural centers across the nation. “Black Nativity” is a cherished cultural tradition to some and completely unknown to others.

One wonderful yet confounding thing about this show is that depending on where you see it, you will see significantly different productions – from Intiman Theatre in Seattle to Penumbra Theatre in St. Paul or the National Center of Afro-American Artists in Boston.