‘Nativity’ musical sets an energetic tone for the holidays

By Felecia Piggott-Long, Ph.D. Written, directed and choreographed by Mabel P. Robinson, “Nativity According to the Gospels” opened on the weekend of Dec. 6-8, and it received a standing ovation by more than 125 people who attended. The production will continue during the weekend of Dec. 13-15 in the Gallery Theater at the Intergenerational Center for the Arts and Wellness. This year Nativity was produced by the 40+ Stage Company. The theater is located at 114 West 30th Street in Winston-Salem. The show opens at 7:30 p.m. on Dec. 13 and 14, and the matinees will open at 3 p.m. on Dec. 15. Tickets are available for purchase online at www.intothearts.org or by calling 336=722-2585 or 336-747-1414. Although this family-friendly production tells the story of the birth of Christ, it flows with dynamic energy in the spirit of the Harlem Renaissance. Dr. W. E. B DuBois, whose scholarship fueled this cultural outpouring, would be elated with the West African motif of Act I, using African dance and drums, gospel music, ballet and other dance styles, spoken word and hip-hop cadences to tell the old, old story. Director Mabel Robinson chose to write the play from a grandmother’s point of view....