(credit: kennedy-center.org)

This holiday season powerful theatrical performances grace the District with themes of injustice, struggle, triumph, valiance, love and mystery. Contemporary and classic acts bring a variety of wonder to theater goers through November and December. Plays and dance performances alike tackle complex themes and stories to deliver an enriching theatrical experience for all audiences. Critically acclaimed acts, actors and creators provide D.C. with new insight in the performing arts all season long, so don’t miss out on these awesome area shows.

Click here for pricing as it becomes available
Dates: Nov. 27 to Jan. 5

“Black Nativity,” Langston Hughes’ retelling of the Christmas story, first opened on Broadway in 1961 and will run at the Atlas Performing Arts Center in collaboration with local theater company Theater Alliance, which garnered rave reviews for its production of the show last year. This vibrant production features an all-black cast performing favorite Christmas music mixed with gospel tunes, dance and a dash of humor. “Black Nativity” show will sate your need for Christmas tradition while getting your foot tapping.

Price: $10 to $25
Dates: Nov. 9 to 16

The first installment of Tarell Alvin McCraney’s “The Brother/Sister Plays” trilogy, “In the Red and Brown Water” comes to the Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center. Drawing on cues from folk tales, African mythology and contemporary poetry, co-directors Alvin Mayes and Scot Reese compose the story of Oya, a talented young athlete from a Louisiana bayou project searching for an escape from her economic circumstance. This uplifting portrayal is dizzy with meaning and metaphor, with a true sense of a greater unifying human experience. “In the Red and Brown Water” is creative storytelling at its finest.

Price: $8 to $22
Dates: Nov. 10 to 11

The eclectic ensemble DancEthos returns to Dance Place for a short revival. Performed by a diverse mix of of dancers — of all ages, sizes and ethnicities — “DancEthos” weaves movement, energy and performance by an ensemble featuring 11 talented dancers. The piece was originally performed in June with an energetic and unreserved ensemble. DancEthos returns to the Dance Place stage in collaboration with The West Shore Piano Trio for what promises to be an entertaining performance abundant with spirited, exciting and powerful choreography by Vladimir Angelov, Erica Rebollar, Christopher K. Morgan and Katerina Rodgaard with insightful visual cues from directors Carolyn Kamrath and Tiffany Haughn.

Related: Best Museum Exhibits to See This Fall in D.C.

Price: $25 to $109
Dates: Nov. 13 to 18

The first professional ballet company founded in the United States, the San Francisco Ballet comes to the Kennedy Center to play its Mixed Reperatory Program Nov. 13 and 14 and the Shakespeaeran classic “Romeo and Juliet” Nov. 15 to 18. Director/choreographer Helgi Tomasson is joined by Sergei Prokofiev for music. The ill-fated lovers will tell the most famous love story through exquisite ballet performances from one of the most iconic ballet companies in America. In the hands of Thomasson, this delicate tragedy will reach new heights in theatrical performance.

Price: $55 to $105
Dates: Nov. 15 to Dec. 30

This holiday season, William Shakespeare’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” brings fantasy and illusion to the Shakespeare Theatre Company. Director Ethan McSweeny returns to the Shakespeare stage following the successful reception of “Much Ado About Nothing” last year. But “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” is an entirely different challenge with its dream-like quality, concept of love and wanting, and of course the fairies. McSweeny’s refined touch with Shakespearean classics promises this comedy will deliver sharp performances and delightful musical accompaniment.

Related: Best Fall Festivals in D.C.