Intiman Theatre presents

BLACK NATIVITY

By Langston Hughes
Directed by Valerie Curtis-Newton
Music Direction by Sam Townsend
Choreographed by Vania C. Bynum
Presented in partnership with The Hansberry Project

December 12-30, 2023

Broadway Performance Hall, 1625 Broadway, Seattle, WA 98122

Langston Hughes’ Gospel Song-Play returns to Seattle with an all-new, reimagined production! Celebrate the season with actors, dancers, soaring vocalists, a rousing city-wide gospel choir, and the chance to sing-along. A stirring and joyful holiday experience for families of all backgrounds and beliefs.

“I am thrilled to be working with Intiman again, and on such a beautifully community-focused project like Black Nativity. While we don’t plan to reproduce the scale of Intiman’s past productions, we do commit to representing the spirit of community and hope that Langston Hughes' play intends. We want to start a new Seattle holiday tradition and are so excited for folks to join us in this new beginning.”

-Valerie Curtis-Newton, Director

About the Play

Celebrate the holiday season at this joyful community gathering! Langston Hughes’ Gospel Song-Play returns to Intiman Theatre in an all-new, reimagined production. The Christmas story gets a soulful retelling with actors, dancers, soaring vocalists, and a rousing city-wide gospel choir. The poetry and vision of Langston Hughes combines with gospel renditions of your favorite carols, and you’ll have the chance to raise your voice and sing-along. A stirring experience for families of all backgrounds and beliefs that shares the importance of hope and community.

The legacy of Black Nativity

Intiman produced Black Nativity from 1998-2012. The production was directed by Jacqueline Moscou and featured the dynamic vision of Reverend Dr. Samuel McKinney and Patrinell “Pat” Wright, known as the “First lady of gospel” (pictured), among so many other community members who worked on the project through the years. We honor their memory and are grateful for their leadership.

Intiman is proud to revisit and reimagine this legacy with an all-new creative team led by Valerie Curtis-Newton. Thank you for joining us as we create a new holiday tradition together.

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Meet the Cast

Esther Okech
- Woman

Esther Okech (she/her) is very happy to be making her Intiman debut! She is an actor and educator from Kenya. She graduated from Cornell University where she pursued a BSc in Environmental Science
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Felicia Loud
- Old Woman

Felicia Loud has worked extensively in Theater. In 2022, she wrote and starred in her one-woman show Here There Be Dragons which debuted at ArtsWest in West Seattle. Her work also includes
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Shaunyce Omar
- Narrator

Shaunyce Omar (she/her) Intiman credits: Wedding Band, Barbecue & Crowns. Other credits include: The Little Mermaid, Four Women, Into the Woods, Shout Sister Shout, Fannie, As You Like It
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Yusef Seevers
- Elder / Narrator / Shepard

Yusef (he/they) is honored to be a part of bringing Black Nativity back to Seattle! The holiday seasons and the music continuously shape the artist he is today. He is new to the Pacific Northwest
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Jarron A. Williams
- Man / Shepard

Jarron A. Williams (he/ him) is a St. Louis native, is a recent MFA in Acting graduate of University of Washington 23’. Jarron expresses gratitude to his family, friends, The UW, and the
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Choir

Sadiaa J. Alexander   Lulu Austin   Gena Brooks   Rontrell J. Brimmer  Tommie Burton  Sherri L. Charleston   Jamila Clemens  Dana Jackson  Jasmine Gartrell-Hall Javonne  Gartrell-Hall  Deneen Grant   Josephine Howell  Maya Michelle  Antwoine D. Parmer  Samara Reign   Maya Russell  Sa’Nia

Dancers

Alvedo  Daezhane Day  Kearia Keke Duncan  Iverson Harding Makayla McGhee

Band

Dotcy Isom III (Band Leader) Arthur Nelson (Bass) Phillip Winston (Drums)

Chandler Williams (2nd Keyboard)

Meet the Creative Team

Meet our Producing Partner

The Hansberry Project

The Hansberry Project is a professional black theatre company dedicated to the artistic exploration of African American life, history and culture. From initial sketches to fully-realized productions, The Hansberry Project promotes and supports Black theatre artists of diverse interests and disciples, speaking on a range of themes and working in a variety of styles. 

Supported By

Support Intiman’s work by making a tax-deductible donation today. Donations create union jobs in Seattle (we work with all of the theatrical unions), provide free and subsidized education programs, and make free tickets available for every performance.

Thank you to all our sponsors, donors, and Members!