JAJA'S AFRICAN HAIR BRAIDING Extends Broadway Engagement Through Early November

Manhattan Theatre Club has just announced a one-week extension of the world premiere of Jaja’s African Hair Braiding, now through Sunday, November 5. Jaja’s African Hair Braiding is written by Jocelyn Bioh (School Girls; Or, The African Mean Girls Play) and directed by Whitney White (Our Dear Dead Drug Lord), opening on Broadway this Tuesday, October 3 at MTC’s Samuel J. Friedman Theatre (261 West 47th Street).

 

Manhattan Theatre Club offers audiences Beyond the Stage content, which is designed to enrich the audiences’ experience after attending Jaja's African Hair Braiding. Purchase a ticket and join us for "A Part of the Culture," a series of post-show conversations at the theatre:
 

SHOP TALK: The evening of October 8, join us for Shop Talk! To quote our director, Whitney White, the Shop is "the sacred space of hands on heads." This conversation will spotlight the essential role braiding shops hold in the African Diaspora, looking at the American experience specifically. Moderated by writer Houreidja Tall, panelists will include filmmaker Similejesu Sonubi, celebrity hair stylist Johnny Wright, and Jaja's Wig and Hair Designer Nikiya Mathis.

BLACK BUSINESS WOMEN: Join us the evening of October 12 for an intimate conversation spotlighting the black women impacting their communities with their entrepreneurial spirit and drive. Moderated by Creator and Executive Producer of She Did That Renae Bluitt with panelists Kim Capers (Hip Hop Film Festival) and Harlem’s own Princess Jenkins (The Brownstone Woman).

AFRICA NIGHT: Come to the Friedman in your best finery because October 18 is Africa Night at the shop! Join us for an evening of celebration in collaboration with African Restaurant Week, Africa Center, and Chi Talent Management where we will salute African arts, food, and culture. Join us for a lively gathering at an African Restaurant Week sponsored venue, offering special discounts, following the performance.

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); JiyounChang (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). 

The 2022-23 season marked Lynne Meadow’s 50th Anniversary as Artistic Director of Manhattan Theatre Club. Meadow was joined in summer 2023 by Chris Jennings, MTC’s new Executive Director. MTC’s mission, which Meadow created in 1972 and has implemented over five decades of award-winning theatrical productions, is to develop and present new work in a dynamic, supportive environment; to identify and collaborate with the most promising new as well as seasoned, accomplished artists; and to produce a diverse repertoire of innovative, entertaining, and thought-provoking plays and musicals by American and international playwrights. Since 1989, MTC Education, which uses the power of live theatre and playwriting to awaken minds, ignite imaginations, open hearts, and change lives, has also been an important corollary to MTC’s work, reaching thousands of students and educators worldwide each season.

 

Since its beginnings on East 73rd Street in New York City, MTC has grown from a small off-off-Broadway Showcase Theatre into one of the country’s most prestigious and award-winning producing companies, creating over 600 world, American, New York and Broadway premieres. MTC productions have earned 7 Pulitzer Prizes, 28 Tony Awards, 50 Drama Desk Awards and 49 Obie Awards amongst many other honors. MTC has homes on Broadway at its Samuel J. Friedman Theatre (261 West 47th Street) and Off-Broadway at New York City Center (131 West 55th Street). MTC is an anti-racist organization that respects and honors all voices, andupholds the values of community and equity. 

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