Jaja's African Hair Braiding
It's July 25, 2019, in the bustling city of Harlem, on 47th Street, where bargain seekers look for deals and migrant shop owners seek to sketch out a life in the Big Apple, "The City That Never Sleeps," New York, beneath the simmering tension of being perceived as outsiders in the very place they now call home. This was the motivating background behind the playwright's decision to concentrate on a pivotal year where six West African ladies had built a sisterhood of love in a braiding salon called JaJa's. Jaja's African Hair Braiding is a captivating narrative by a talented Ghanaian-American playwright, Jocelyn Bioh. Her previous play, School Girls; Or, The African Mean Girls Play, at Chicago's Goodman Theater garnered high praise, and this production, which was nominated for five Tony Awards, winning one, provides the audience with a glimpse into the world of Marie, Bea, Ndidi, Aminata, Mirian, and Jaja who find solace in a Harlem hair salon and formed a bond where they can speak freely and even cross the line, all in sisterly love. Meet the independent chair ladies of Jaja, who negotiate their prices privately inside the shop.
Marie is JaJa's daughter, tasked with managing the shop during her mother's absences. A bright and ambitious young woman, Marie recently graduated at the top of her class, earning the prestigious title of valedictorian. While her mother envisions a future for her as a doctor or engineer, Marie has a passion for storytelling and dreams of becoming a writer. However, she fears her mother, who has worked hard to help Marie achieve a more prosperous life than herself, will not understand her creativity and that fraudulent documents under the name could jeopardize her dreams of attending college and pursuing a career as a writer. Bea is the reigning diva of the shop whenever JaJa is away, and she certainly knows how to stir up drama. Having been with JaJa the longest, she feels a strong sense of entitlement to express her opinions freely and without hesitation. Her presence commands attention, and her bold and direct personality often causes tension with others. Bea has an "I don't care attitude, but when things are wrong, you can count on her to open her heart and help her salon family of sisters. Aminata has a easygoing, fun-loving spirit, who loves to dance to her favorite music. With her warm smile she brings in a joyous atmosphere, making it a welcoming space for all. She finds solace in their company, especially when she needs a break from the antics of her flirtatious partner, James. Bea is her friend, but Aminata knows that Bea cuts from both sides of the sword, so she carefully navigates their friendship, allowing her to fully embrace life at JaJa's with laughter and joy to disguise the pain. Ndidi, the newest addition to the shop, is a vibrant and fiery spirit, temporarily lending her talents until she can establish her own salon. With a passion for style that matches her rebellious nature, she attracts a loyal clientele who seek her out for her exceptional skills and remarkable ability to quickly and efficiently braid hair. Her skills make her an adversarial enemy to Bea, who believes Ndidi is stealing her customers. Ndidi remains unfazed. With her music pulsating through her veins and her talents shining brightly, she embraces every connection with her customers. Bea may be looming in the background, but Ndidi knows she's a force on her own. Miriam embodies the spirit of an eternal optimist with a naughty nature, "To Be Loud" beneath the surface, eager to burst forth. She works at the shop, dreaming of bringing her daughter to America while struggling with an unhelpful and lazy husband. Yet, hidden within her heart is a secret love and another secret she needs to share with both men. JaJa is the proud owner of the hair braiding salon. She shares her love and support for West African women in her shop. She radiates confidence. Jaja is a show-off, constantly boasting and showcasing her incredible life while offering unsolicited advice to others navigating the challenges of living in a foreign land. She believes that her support is truly appreciated and makes a meaningful difference. Still, she negates listening to the advice given by her daughter and others about her planned marriage, which becomes costly. But the production of Jaja's African Hair Braiding delves deeply into the humanistic dichotomy that blurs the lines between family, friends, and foes while forming and fostering a sense of trust.
Whitney White, an award-winning director based in Chicago, flawlessly directs the production, bringing out the richness and soul of each character in beauty. Blending laughter and joy, they courageously open up about their dreams while revealing the struggles and secrets that challenge them. White does a remarkable job in forming a cast with great chemistry featuring Melanie Brezill, Leovina Charles, Victoire Charles, Yao Dogbe, Mia Ellis, Tiffany Renee Johnson, Jorda Rice, Awa Sal Secka, Aisha Sougou, and Bisserat Tseggai. All of them were superb. The main cast of Awa Sal Secka (Bea), Tiffany Renee Johnson (Aminata), Aisha Sougou (Ndidi), whose Sougou comes from a Senegalese background and her mother owns a braiding shop, Jordan Rice and Bisserat Tseggai (Miriam) bring the play to life with their inspirational and robust independent attributes that are engaging, comedic and enthralling. And the cast of Melanie Brezell, Leovina Charles, and Yao Dogbe brilliantly displayed their multi-character talents to perfection. David Zinn provides a standout interior setting for a beauty shop with a gate and an outside view of the salon. The intricate, beautiful, woven hairstyles of micro braids, cornrows, and kinky twists created by Nikiya Mathis were outstanding and are a positive reminder of how important "The CROWN Movement" (Creating a Respectful and Open World For Natural Hair) is vital to helping to end race-based hair discrimination.
JaJa shattered previous records by attracting an unprecedented number of first-time individuals purchasing theater tickets to see a live performance. The excitement surrounding this production drew in audiences eager to experience the JAJA of the stage, marking a significant achievement that even surprised Bioh, who stated she always looks for her plays to bring in new audiences. JaJa is getting married, and no one seems particularly happy with her choice or the men in their lives. Her decision and the climax of this play make you wonder if Bioh has a sequel coming. I'm sure the audience wants to know what happens next. Chicago Shakespeare Theater hit it out of the park with Jaja's African Hair Braiding. It's 90 minutes of pure joy!
⭐⭐⭐1/2
Chicago Shakespeare Theater
Jaja's African Hair Braiding
By Jocelyn Bioh
Directed by Whitney White
January 14 – February 2, 2025
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