The Nativity Starring Keisha Taylor

by Olivia Matthews

Keisha Taylor is a #GoodGirl. Or so she’s told when she’s cast as the Virgin Mary over her “fast” friend Trinity in their church’s Christmas play. But when Trinity announces she is pregnant by divine intervention, everything Keisha knows about faith and friendship is turned upside down. As Trinity ignites a religious movement at school and online, a doubtful Keisha finds solace in a mysterious boy from the...

Keisha Taylor is a #GoodGirl. Or so she’s told when she’s cast as the Virgin Mary over her “fast” friend Trinity in their church’s Christmas play. But when Trinity announces she is pregnant by divine intervention, everything Keisha knows about faith and friendship is turned upside down. As Trinity ignites a religious movement at school and online, a doubtful Keisha finds solace in a mysterious boy from the darkest tangles of the World Wide Web. With the Christmas play quickly approaching, can Keisha mend her friendship with Trinity while reconciling the limits of her own faith?

The Nativity Starring Keisha Taylor is a satirical look at religion, purity culture, and Black girlhood in the age of social media.

Content warning: this play contains discussions/depictions of homophobia, misogyny, sexual harassment and exploitation, physical violence, fatphobia, and disordered eating. Discretion is advised.

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The Nativity Starring Keisha Taylor

Recommended by

  • Shaun Leisher: The Nativity Starring Keisha Taylor by Olivia Matthews
    “

    I really loved this play. A scathing critique on purity culture and the modern-day church. This play is full of bodies that aren't typically seen on our stages. These characters are so well-written. I was on the edge of my seat until the very end. The ending has lots of potential for some stage magic.

    I really loved this play. A scathing critique on purity culture and the modern-day church. This play is full of bodies that aren't typically seen on our stages. These characters are so well-written. I was on the edge of my seat until the very end. The ending has lots of potential for some stage magic.

    ”
  • Abraham Johnson: The Nativity Starring Keisha Taylor by Olivia Matthews
    “

    I ADORE this 2009-time-capsule, wonderfully packed with references to "Lovegame" by Lady Gaga, iPhone 3 hijinks, and AIM My Chemical Romance chatrooms, just to name a few. Expert in its balance of laugh-a-second jokes and rug-pulling realities, Matthews beautifully rides the line of humor and heart as we meet these girls at the precipice of teen-hood. A hilarious play with a precise ear towards the duality of these girls' church community-- a vital safe space within each other, but definite vultures circling overhead. So smart. These threads gorgeously weave together in the final scene--...

    I ADORE this 2009-time-capsule, wonderfully packed with references to "Lovegame" by Lady Gaga, iPhone 3 hijinks, and AIM My Chemical Romance chatrooms, just to name a few. Expert in its balance of laugh-a-second jokes and rug-pulling realities, Matthews beautifully rides the line of humor and heart as we meet these girls at the precipice of teen-hood. A hilarious play with a precise ear towards the duality of these girls' church community-- a vital safe space within each other, but definite vultures circling overhead. So smart. These threads gorgeously weave together in the final scene-- Expansive! Funny! Retina burn! Produce this!

    read more
    ”

Character Information

  • Keisha Taylor
    A young member of New Hope Missionary Baptist Church. Skeptical of some things, naive about others. Wears at least a size 10.
    17
    Black/African American
    Female
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s,
      30s
    • Actor Race/Ethnic Identity
      Black, African, Caribbean, or African American
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Female
  • Trinity Jones
    Keisha's former best friend. A self-proclaimed pregnant virgin. Scrappy. Loves learning new words.
    19
    Black/African American
    Female
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s,
      30s
    • Actor Race/Ethnic Identity
      Black, African, Caribbean, or African American
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Female
  • Elizabeth Fischer-Jones
    Trinity's half-sister. A biracial Black girl. Textbook definition of a Goody Two-Shoes. Should have a notably lighter complexion than Trinity.
    14
    Biracial Black
    Female
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s
    • Actor Race/Ethnic Identity
      Black, African, Caribbean, or African American
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Female
  • Elle Devereux
    New in town. From New Orleans. Presents more masculinely than the other young girls; in Black LGBTQ terms, she would be considered a "stud." Also plays The Girl and news reporter Janice Jesup.
    19
    Black
    Female
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s,
      30s
    • Actor Race/Ethnic Identity
      Black, African, Caribbean, or African American
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Female
  • Chad Bryant
    The new youth minister at New Hope and Keisha's uncle. Considers himself "ex-gay." Also plays Boy #1 and The Angel. Male.
    late 20s/Early 30s
    Black
    Male
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s,
      30s
    • Actor Race/Ethnic Identity
      Black, African, Caribbean, or African American
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Male
  • Travis Jackson
    The head pastor at New Hope. Like a Black Joel Osteen. Has 64 teeth. Black. 40s to 60s. Male. Also plays Boy #2.
    40s to 60s
    Black/African American
    Male
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      40s,
      50s,
      60s
    • Actor Race/Ethnic Identity
      Black, African, Caribbean, or African American
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Male
  • Anon666
    A mysterious boy Keisha meets online. Also plays Gator Jesus.
    ~17
    Black/African American
    Male
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s,
      30s
    • Actor Race/Ethnic Identity
      Black, African, Caribbean, or African American
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Male

Development History

  • Reading, Onward Theatre, Atlanta, Georgia, 2024