Scope and arrangement
The Black Nativityfiles contain correspondence and memos on the production; various drafts of the script; a production handbook and a few lists of cues, costumes, songs, etc.; publicity including press releases, flyers, posters, pressbooks and production history; programs; photographs and clippings. The show, presented in many different countries, is documented by photographs, programs and reviews. Of interest are carbon copies of letters by Langston Hughes with his handwritten signature and notes added on, regarding efforts to produce Black Nativityaround the world.
The Black nativity files are arranged in eight series:
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1962-19633 folders
Correspondence and memos relating to producing Black Nativity.
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1961 and n.d.6 folders
Includes various drafts and clean copy of the script for Black Nativityby Langston Hughes.
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1962 and n.d.3 folders
A small file with single page lists, a handbook about putting on the show and a souvenir piece of sheet music.
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1962-19656 folders
Press releases, printed flyers and other publicity for various productions of Black Nativity.
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1962-19642 folders
Programs for productions in the United States, Europe and Australia.
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1962 and n.d.7 folders
Primarily production and publicity shots, also some rehearsal and snapshots, most undated. Also contains photographs of Marion Williams from other productions including The Soul in Jazz.
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1961-1980 and n.d.6 folders
Photocopied clippings and reviews of Black Nativity. The 1980 clippings are of Marion Williams, one of the stars of the show. Includes clippings in other languages including French and German.
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1962 and n.d.4 folders
Photographs and posters.