Four performers on stage in colorful, traditional African-inspired costumes during a theater performance. A woman in a blue robe is kneeling, holding a swaddled baby, surrounded by three standing women in rich purple, gold, and turquoise outfits. A choir in white robes is seated in the background under blue stage lighting.
Celebrating the birth of Jesus in Intiman Theatre’s production of "Black Nativity" at the Broadway Performance Hall.(Photo: Susan Fried)
Arts & Culture

PHOTO ESSAY | Black Nativity 2024

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Seattle's long tradition of staging Black Nativity, the Langston Hughes adaptation of the nativity story featuring gospel music, continues this season at the Broadway Performance Hall.

Black Nativity first came to Seattle under the helm of the late pastor Patrinell Wright and Rev. Dr. Samuel McKinney in 1998. The play returned to Intiman Theatre in 2023 after a 10-year hiatus. The return was so successful that this year's run will be even longer, from Dec. 4 to 29.

This is also the second year Intiman will partner with the Hansberry Project in reimaging Black Nativity with a special second act that features an audience singalong with the cast. This year's show brings together several performers who have participated in past productions of Black Nativity with a group of talented young artists performing for the first time.

Shaunyce Omar who plays one of the narrators said that Black Nativity is a family tradition. Her mother performed in Black Nativity back when it first started in Seattle, over 20 years ago, and now her daughter is in this year's play. In a recent performance, Omar asked the audience how many other people made Black Nativity part of their family's Christmas traditions, and one person said she and her daughter started coming over 20 years ago and that day had brought her granddaughter as well. Another audience member also remembered bringing her family over 20 years ago. She said it was a family tradition for at least five years in the early 2000s, and that she really enjoyed the sing-along part of the two most recent adaptations.

There's still plenty of time to catch Black Nativity. It runs until Dec. 29 at the Broadway Performance Hall. For times and ticket information, head to Intiman Theatre's official website.

A theatrical performance scene with performers in vibrant African-inspired costumes. The center group strikes dynamic poses with arms raised, while a woman in a blue robe holds a baby on the right. In the background, a choir in white robes with colorful sashes sings enthusiastically. Stage lighting highlights the energy.
At the Saturday matinee of "Black Nativity" on Dec. 14, 2024.(Photo: Susan Fried)
A male performer in an orange and gold African-inspired robe passionately sings or speaks with his mouth open and arm extended, pointing. Behind him, choir members in white robes with colorful sashes sing, while a live band with instruments, including drums and a keyboard, plays on stage.
Actor Yusef Seevers sings during "Black Nativity."(Photo: Susan Fried)
An audience of diverse individuals seated in a theater, watching a performance. People of different ages and ethnicities, including children and adults, are focused on the stage, holding programs. Some are clapping or smiling, while others appear deeply engaged.
The audience sings along with the cast of "Black Nativity."(Photo: Susan Fried)
A male performer in a white robe with red accents sings passionately into a microphone, pointing upward. Behind him, choir members in white robes with colorful sashes clap and sing, exuding energy. To the right, a woman in a vibrant purple and gold gown stands with a focused expression.
Antwoine D. Parmer sings a solo.(Photo: Susan Fried)
Two smiling children sit in a theater surrounded by red seats. The boy on the left is wearing a suit with a plaid tie, and the girl on the right is wearing a sparkly black and green dress with beige tights.
Princeton, 8, and his sister Amara, 6, joined their mom Moji for the matinee of "Black Nativity."(Photo: Susan Fried)
A dancer in a golden costume performs a dramatic spin, with flowing gold fabric creating a wing-like effect. Behind, choir members in white robes and colorful sashes sing, while a seated performer in vibrant blue and purple watches.
Dancer Kearia Keke Duncan plays an angel in "Black Nativity."(Photo: Susan Fried)
A dramatic stage scene with three performers in the foreground: a man in a red robe raising his hand, a woman in a blue and white robe holding a swaddled baby, and a man in a gold and blue outfit gesturing upward. Behind them, a choir in white robes with colorful sashes sings with raised arms, and musicians play instruments in the background.
Mary, played by DaeZhane Day, and Joseph, played by Abner Guerrero, celebrate the arrival of Jesus.(Photo: Susan Fried)
A man wearing glasses, a black hoodie, and a plaid jacket enthusiastically speaks or sings into a microphone while gesturing with his hand. Behind him, several choir members and performers are seated, clapping or singing along. The stage lighting focuses on the man, highlighting his expressive performance.
Choral director Sam L. Townsend Jr. encourages the audience to sing along with the cast of "Black Nativity."(Photo: Susan Fried)
Three young performers stand on stage singing, each expressing emotion. The girl on the left wears a pink hoodie, the center girl wears denim overalls, and the girl on the right wears a gray shirt with ripped jeans. Behind them, seated audience members and musicians are visible, along with stage instruments and lighting.
The three youngest members of the "Black Nativity" choir: Sa'Nia Lewis, Maya Michelle Russell, and Samara Reign.(Photo: Susan Fried)
A group of children gathers on stage around a decorated Christmas tree, with a woman in a vibrant patterned dress holding a basket and interacting with them. The children, wearing festive and casual clothing, appear engaged and curious.
Children from the audience help decorate the Christmas tree on stage.(Photo: Susan Fried)
A woman in a vibrant purple and gold traditional African-inspired outfit performs passionately on stage, pointing forward and smiling. Behind her, choir members in white robes with colorful sashes sit, and musicians are partially visible in the background under blue stage lighting.
Actor Shaunyce Omar narrates the story in "Black Nativity."(Photo: Susan Fried)
A touching stage scene featuring a woman in a blue and white robe cradling a swaddled baby while kneeling. A man in a striped robe and head covering kneels beside her, embracing both tenderly. To the right, another figure in a golden, patterned outfit stands, partially visible.
Mary and Joseph (played by DaeZhane Day and Abner Guerrero, respectively) celebrate the birth of Jesus.(Photo: Susan Fried)
Two performers energetically dance on stage, arms raised with joyful expressions. The woman on the left wears a flowing blue and white robe while holding a swaddled baby prop, and the man on the right wears a blue and gold patterned outfit. Behind them, a choir in white robes with colorful sashes sings.
Mary and Joseph celebrating Jesus’ birth.(Photo: Susan Fried)
A performer in a golden costume with large, wing-like fabric spreads their arms dramatically on an elevated platform, framed by three colorful stained-glass windows. Below, choir members in white robes with colorful sashes and musicians add to the scene's grandeur.
Dancer Kearia Keke Duncan as an angel in "Black Nativity."(Photo: Susan Fried)

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