Stephawn Stephens
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Dear Family and Friends,
This is just a promotional interview about my upcoming production. Continue to lift me in prayer .. we open Dec. 10, 2009
Because of Christ,
Elder Stephawn P. Stephens
Date: Fri, 13 Nov 2009 10:46:37 -0500
From:
p...@theateralliance.comTo:
step...@hotmail.comSubject: Black Nativity Director, Stephawn Stephens tells us why.
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wishes to Thank our Platinum Season Sponsor
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An interview with director, Stephawn Stephens
The first time Stephawn Stephens saw Black Nativity, he was a kid in Cleveland. "I grew up in that show," Stephens says. Almost every year since, Stephens has appeared in a production of the show somewhere in the United States. This run of Black Nativity will mark Stephens' DC directorial debut.
When Langston Hughes wrote Black Nativity in 1961, he set out to retell the Christmas story "from an Afrocentric perspective," according to Stephens, to give audiences "an awareness of the joy we have in the Black church as we tell the story." The first act focused on the scripture, while the second act was a series of poems and prayers by Hughes. Over the years, however, new directors have added their own interpretations and ideas to the show, sticking with Hughes' original framework but adding new songs or stories to reflect modern life and music.
Stephens is planning some of his own adaptations. Stephens plans to bring back some of Hughes' original poems and prayers in the second act, infused with both original gospel music written for this production, and classic gospel songs by artists such as the Five Blind Boys of Alabama, Andre Crouch, Edwin Hawkins, Richard Smallwood, Sarah Jordan Powell, James Cleveland, and Mahalia Jackson.
"There's also some house music in there," Stephens says. "Gospel music is being played in clubs, although people might not realize it."
When joyful gospel music is sung and played in church, the congregation does not sit still and nod politely. When Black Nativity comes to the H Street Playhouse, audiences are not just allowed, but encouraged, to participate.
Black Nativity offers Stephens, an ordained minister, an unusual opportunity to bring together his faith and his love for theater before a secular audience. "For me this is more than just entertainment. It's about the joy we feel during this time of the year, and the chance to spread the Christmas message of giving."
This production's Music Director will be Derrick Anderson and it will feature the talents of Avalon Bobb Brown, Peggy R. Carmichael, Betty A. Carter, Angel DeJesus, Buttercup Johnson, Lulu Fall, Charles McCullough, David North, Robert Person, Glenn Walker and many more.....
Dec. 10 to Jan 3
All shows at the H Street Playhouse
1365 H Street NE, Washington DC 20002
Group rates available
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