Black Nativity
The riveting, soulful musical production of playwright Langston Hughes’ “Black Nativity” received eleven Helen Hayes award nominations, winning three awards for outstanding ensemble, musical direction (e’Marcus Harper-Short), and best musical. This occurred under the direction of Eric Ruffin. Ruffin holds a BFA in theater arts from Howard University and an MFA in directing from Rutgers University. He has a very impressive track record as a professor, teacher, and stage director. He founded “The Acting Studio” at Newark School of the Arts, a professional training program for actors, and was the founder and Artistic Director for the Newark Youth Ensemble, Newark, New Jersey. He is also a Stage Directors and Choreographers Society Associate, a New York Theater Workshop Usual Suspect, and a 1999 recipient of the NY Drama League directing Fellowship. Additionally, Ruffin has been honored with a Shakespeare Theater Acting Fellowship, and the Princess Grace Grant for Dance. His accomplishments, studies, and creative genius paid off with his rendition of this current production of “Black Nativity.
This rendition of the traditional Christmas story from an Afro-centric perspective is filled with a combination of opulent gospel, blues, funk, and jazz. The choreography serves as a vehicle that explores cultural identity, pride, and unity within the African-American community, while introducing a renewed expression of this holiday classic.
In addition, this season’s production also addresses the current “Black Lives Matter” Movement. “The beauty of Hughes’ text is that it has been designed to shift and change with the times, much like the African-American journey and struggle for equal treatment is ongoing and evolving” says producing director, Colin Hovde.
“Quiet on the Set Magazine” had the privilege to sit down and catch up with the busy and talented Eric Ruffin. QOTS spoke with him about directing the “Black Nativity” that He shared his views about directing the “Black Nativity” that is centered on Christ’s birth which benchmark the beliefs of Christians.
There’s more to learn about Mr. Ruffin and his rendition of “Black Nativity”. See the exclusive video interview below:
Article by Erik Humphrey/Video interview by Darryl Rembert.
