Black Nativity, a gospel-infused Christmas play featuring a majority African American cast, is up and running at Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Northeast Portland. The play, now in its fifth consecutive year, is produced by the non-profit PassinArt, a Portland-based African American theater company.

While Black Nativity is performed in a church, “it’s not a church program,” Jerry Foster, PassinArt’s artistic director, said. The theater company rents out the church space to produce and perform the play.

“We have people from all different beliefs coming to see it, people who are atheists coming to see it,” he said.

“We have people who’ve made it their holiday tradition. People who come enjoy it and feel uplifted.”

Backstage before a performance of Langston Hughes' Black Nativity by the non-profit PassinArt. December 13, 2019. Beth Nakamura/Staff

Black Nativity was conceived and written by poet and playwright Langston Hughes. It was first produced in 1961 in New York City, where it was performed Off-Broadway. It has since been performed around the world.

The play tells--sings, really--the story of the Nativity, or birth of Jesus Christ. It features lively, soulful gospel music throughout, with a handful of traditional Christmas carols sprinkled in.

Under the direction by Foster, the production showcases a couple dozen local performers, the majority of them neighborhood church singers.

“This production is rooted in the community,” Foster said.

“That’s where our talent comes from.”

Backstage before a performance of Langston Hughes' Black Nativity by the non-profit PassinArt. December 13, 2019. Beth Nakamura/Staff

Prepare to move--the performance will have you toe-tapping and hand-clapping--and be moved.

“This music, this particular play, changes your whole perspective on Christmas and the holiday season,” said Andrea “Onnie” Allen, musical director for the production.

“We share our energy with the audience, which not only changes them, it changes us,” she said.

Black Nativity runs through December 15. Tickets, a deal at $14, can be purchased here.

Scroll the gallery for a look behind the scenes and on the stage during Friday night’s performance.

— Beth Nakamura

Twitter: @bethnakaura

Instagram: @bethnakamura