NASHVILLE, Tenn. – There are times when theater reminds us it can do more than entertain. Amun Ra Theatre provides that opportunity with its production of Langston Hughes' Black Nativity.

It would be easy to note the religious nature of the program and say that its inspirational nature is the reason the work edifys those who see it. That would however shortchange the piece from a theatrical perspective. In the gifted hands of director/adapter jeff obafemi carr, choreographer Peter A. Fields, Jr., musical directors Terrence Brown and Alex Stadaker and their cast, Black Nativity is an artistic expression of community strength and passion that enlightens us with its humanity.

The play's structure is simple: Act I is a recreation of the birth of Jesus, and Act II is a modern church revival meeting. Woven through the acts is a combination of musical numbers that draw on classical religious tunes and contemporary pieces as well as powerful, beautifully stylistic dance movements.

We hear tunes like Joy to the World and Oh Come, All Ye Faithful (the latter with a strong solo by Kenetha Rogers) alongside other songs of praise like It's Time To Praise the Lord and The Blood Saved Me (a moment for Monchita Lee Davis' voice to shine). There's fun, too, such as the No Good Shepherd Boy number performed with gleeful energy by Todd Suttles, Tim Dillinger, Patrick Moore and Tabari Rahmon.

Fields' choreography uses graceful athleticism and flowing fabric to weave dynamic moments into the show's colorful tapestry of music and movement. His dances remind us that songs aren't the only way artists place poetry on stage.

Brown and Stadaker's music fills the space with sounds that never seem out of place, or tempo. Add Scot Leathers' bold lighting and Jenise Smith's vibrant costumes, and you have a world worth hearing and seeing for the all-too-brief two hours we have the pleasure of this show on stage.

And last, but certainly not least, is the man behind this and Amun Ra Theatre's other efforts, including its acclaimed production of Before the People Came at Nashville Children's Theatre earlier this year. carr (who incidentally does not capitalize his name) has been a community leader, actor, musician and writer with more positive contributions to Nashville than I can list in a short review. This production is another remarkable gift to the community he loves and lives in, and we are very fortunate to have him in our midst. 

It is not enough to say that Amun Ra Theatre should be supported - it must be supported, not just for the good of Nashville's theatrical community but for the community as a whole. Black Nativity reinforces that view, but even before it opened it was obvious this young arts organization deserves the support of those who want our community to grow and not stagnate in this new, promising century.

To See The Show…

Black Nativity at Tennessee State University's Performing Arts Center concluded its run on Dec. 19.