The Black Nativity is a retelling of the classic Nativity story with an entirely black cast. Traditional Christmas carols are sung in gospel style, with a few songs created specifically for the show. Originally written by Langston Hughes and shown off Broadway it was one of the first plays written by an African American to be staged there.

However,

This Black Nativity (out in cinemas this xmas) is supposed to be a contemporary adaptation of the play - however is another stereotypical story of a African American single parent struggling to raise their kid so they send them to some member of the extended family with more shocking stereotypes, in a non-white world. Forest Whitaker the imposing Rev, langston the baltimore street kid who refuses to adapt to his new life. Mary J Blidge is a white haired angel and everyone finds God to the backing of a "gospel/street/whatever" soundtrack. Is it just me or does anyone else find this a little bit racist and exploitive?