Photos: First Look at JAJA'S AFRICAN HAIR BRAIDING on Broadway
The production is now in previews and is opening Tuesday, October 3 at the Samuel J. Friedman Theatre.
By: Chloe Rabinowitz Sep. 22, 2023
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The world premiere of Jaja’s African Hair Braiding, written by Jocelyn Bioh (School Girls; Or, The African Mean Girls Play) and directed by Whitney White (Our Dear Dead Drug Lord), is now in previews and is opening Tuesday, October 3 at the Samuel J. Friedman Theatre (261 West 47th Street) on Broadway.
Get a first look at photos below!
The cast of Jaja’s African Hair Braiding features Brittany Adebumola (“The Other Black Girl”), Maechi Aharanwa (The Misanthrope), Rachel Christopher (for colored girls who have considered suicide/…), Kalyne Coleman (“So Help Me Todd”), Somi Kakoma (Dreaming Zenzile), Lakisha May (Skeleton Crew), Nana Mensah (“Presumed Innocent”), Michael Oloyede (Inanimate), Dominique Thorne (Black Panther: Wakanda Forever) and Zenzi Williams (Mobile Unit of Henry V).
This dazzling world premiere welcomes you into Jaja’s bustling hair braiding shop in Harlem where every day, a lively and eclectic group of West African immigrant hair braiders are creating masterpieces on the heads of neighborhood women. During one sweltering summer day, love will blossom, dreams will flourish and secrets will be revealed. The uncertainty of their circumstances simmers below the surface of their lives and when it boils over, it forces this tight-knit community to confront what it means to be an outsider on the edge of the place they call home. This extraordinary new play is by the award winning Ghanaian-American playwright Jocelyn Bioh (School Girls; Or, The African Mean Girls Play) and will be directed by Obie winner Whitney White (Our Dear Dead Drug Lord).
The creative team for Jaja’s African Hair Braiding includes David Zinn (Scenic Design); Dede Ayite (Costume Design); Jiyoun Chang (Lighting Design); Justin Ellington (Original Music & Sound Design); Stefania Bulbarella (Video Design); Nikiya Mathis (Hair & Wig Design); Dawn-Elin Fraser (Dialect & Vocal Coach); Caparelliotis Casting, Kelly Gillespie, & Erica Hart (Casting); and Melanie J. Lisby (Production Stage Manager).
Jaja’s African Hair Braiding is produced by Manhattan Theatre Club and Madison Wells Live with LaChanze & Taraji P. Henson.
Photo credit: Matthew Murphy
Brittany Adebumola and Dominique Thorne
Brittany Adebumola and Dominique Thorne
Rachel Christopher and Zenzi Williams
Kalyne Coleman and Maechi Aharanwa
Nana Mensah, Lakisha May, Maechi Aharanwa, and Kalyne Coleman
Michael Oloyede and Nana Mensah
Kalyne Coleman and Maechi Aharanwa
Nana Mensah and Michael Oloyede (foreground); Maechi Aharanwa and Lakisha May (background)
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