Grambling State University choir performs in Black Nativity.
With the holiday season around the corner, final exams underway, and the fall semester slowly but surely coming to a close, the Grambling State University concert choir presented a play.
The play, “Black Nativity A Gospel Celebration” by Langston Hughes, is a retelling of the classic Nativity story with an entirely black cast.
The show took place inside the Conrad Hutchinson Performing Arts Center which premiered Nov. 28 and ran through Nov. 30.
Both director, Dr. King David Godwin, and music director Natorshau M. Davis, were elated to see their vision come to life.
For those three nights, the cast and crew took us to church. Narrator/performer, Adarian Williams took us on a journey back to Bethlehem, where Mary (Dwedee Kobbah) and Joseph (Michael J. Harper) were looking for a place to give birth to Jesus.
When turned away they found a manger and with that the three wise men and the city of Bethlehem witnessed a king is born.
Moving songs of worship, old-fashioned spirituals, gospel hymns and putting a spin on a few Christmas carols definitely set the atmosphere, reminding us through the good times and bad that Jesus is the reason for the season.
From beginning to end, every performance left a lasting joyous impression to remember that Christ Is Lord.
“I am so glad that the community and the students came out to support the show.,” Dr. Godwin said. “The cast and crew worked really hard and the result was a phenomenal performance.”
Davis echoed the sentiment.
“I am so proud of my students,” she said. “Each and every one of them did a magnificent job.”
Davis hoped everyone enjoyed the show and wishes them a happy holiday season.
Stage mangers Jessica Barnes and Artemio Schoflield said the show was amazing from start to finish. They hoped the performance put everyone in the holiday spirit.
“I thoroughly enjoyed performing with the choir,” Williams, who in addition to being a concert choir member, is Student Government Association president, said. “Each performance gave great energy filled with love. The entire cast and crew put on an amazing performance and I believe the audience thoroughly enjoyed it.”
The soulful rendition filled the theatre with thrilling voices, exciting dances and glorious gospel music that would put anyone in the spirit.
All in all, if you didn’t get a chance to see it then you truly missed out on what was indeed a celebration.
“Black Nativity” was a truly unique and entertaining theatrical experience.