I have seen many traditional interpretations of the Christmas story but when invited, I jumped at the opportunity for a new experience - Langton Hough’s story of Jesus’s birth from another cultural perspective. Like in Day 83 (Cambodian Ballet), I continue to “try new things instead of sticking to safe paths,” a behavior of a person seeking to be “the best that they can be” or to be self- actualized according to Maslow. I explored Pittsburgh’s Shona Sharif African Dance and Drum Ensemble's performance of The Black Nativity.
Reflection
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I learned that The Black Nativity was on Broadway in the l960’s. This
performance was so uplifting, filling the auditorium with Gospel
music and African rhythms, drums and dance. It also had a dose of humor, popular songs, traditional seasonal
music and a Biblical narrative. I did not even know Pittsburgh had
such an accomplish group. The show's first half was the nativity story. The
colors were vibrant, the singing was fantastic and the African dance like a
ballet, was so expressive. I particularly loved how without a word, the
movement expressed Mary’s feeling of exhaustion, acceptance, fear, wonder,
and joy. It was fantastic!
In the second half, you feel like you’re at a Gospel service. This is a celebration and you will be clapping, singing and maybe even dancing in the aisle. Celebrate with a little Gospel this season (see Day 88 ) and try this version of the Nativity either in Pittsburgh or where you live. I wonder if my friend was excited to share her Christmas passion with me (Day 90 Share a Passion). I will keep it in my survival tool box for next year. (It's a yearly production).
(It will be performed Dec. 19, through 21 by the University of Pittsburgh's Shona Sharif African Dance and Drum Ensemble in the Seventh-Floor Auditorium of Pitt's Alumni Hall, 4227 Fifth Ave., Oakland. Performances are held at 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 5 p.m. Sunday.)
Spiritual Reflections
And while they were there, the time came for her baby to be born. She gave birth to her first child, a son. She wrapped him snugly in strips of cloth and laid him in a manger,because there was no room for them in the village inn.
That night some shepherds were in the fields outside the village, guarding their flocks of sheep. Suddenly, an angel of the Lord appeared among them, and the radiance of the Lord's glory surrounded them. They were terribly frightened, but the angel reassured them. "Don't be afraid!" he said, "I bring you good news of great joy for everyone!" The Savor- yes, the Messiah, the Lord-has been born tonight in Bethlehem, the city of David! (Luke 2:6-11)
Other Sources
African Drum and Dance http://www.africanastudies.pitt.edu/activities/african-drum-dance.php
Black Nativity https://www.facebook.com/nativitypgh
Behind the Scenes https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=22GBlE8N72o