The Bishop Arts Theatre Center (BATC) is set to provide performances of “Black Nativity” from December 2nd to December 18th. The show is directed by Zetra Goodlow and Albert Wash II. Both are graduates from the Conservatory for the Performing Arts (COPA) program and obtained degrees in Theater Performance and Practice.
The Bishop Arts Theatre Center’s website shares, “We exist to cultivate a diverse and vibrant arts community committed to social impact while creating opportunities for local and emerging artists to develop new, contemporary, and lasting works that celebrate the diversity and resiliency of our community.”
The center was established in 1993 and is located at 215 South Tyler Street in Dallas. They are considered a 501(c)(3) organization that has won awards, is multicultural, and provides multidisciplinary arts. They offer theatre performances, speaker series, jazz concerts, and art education programs.
According to the BATC’s website, the Black Nativity can be seen on December 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 9th, 10th, 11th, 16th, 17th, and 18th at 8:00 pm. Saturdays will provide an additional 3:00 pm option. Ticket prices range from eighteen to twenty-five dollars.
“This hand-clapping, toe-tapping, finger-snapping theatrical wonderment, inspired by Langston Hughes retelling of the Nativity story, returns to the BATC stage for its 17th anniversary. Black Nativity is a holiday favorite enjoyed by the entire family,” the website of the center shares.
Black Nativity has received awards once in 2015, three times in 2017, and two times in 2018. According to Broadway World, Black Nativity and other performances that have been held at the Bishop Arts Theatre Center have been mentioned by numerous media outlets.
The Dallas Business Journal awarded Black Nativity the 2021 Leaders in Diversity Award.
Broadway World states that the theatre is celebrating its 28th anniversary with its 17th annual production of the Black Nativity. This show offers the retelling of the famous Christmas story. They explain that the Black Nativity consists of a “heavy dose of contemporary and Gospel music.”
Bishop Arts Theatre Center has ten individuals that are considered to be board members. Their website mentions that they “impact over 30,000 artists, art enthusiasts, and children each year via virtual and in-person seasonal performances and arts education programs.”
The center also offers Girls of Color Discovering STEAM, Summer Theatre & Cultural Enrichment Camp, Patio Live, and a Teens in Theatre Apprentice Program.