Manhattan Theatre Club has announced the full cast for its Broadway production of “Jaja’s African Hair Braiding.” The world-premiere play, written by Jocelyn Bioh and directed by Whitney White, will begin performances on September 12, with the official opening night on October 3 at the Samuel J. Friedman Theatre.
The cast includes Brittany Adebumola, Maechi Aharanwa, Rachel Christopher, Kalyne Coleman, Somi Kakoma, Lakisha May, Nana Mensah, Michael Oloyede, Dominique Thorne, and Zenzi Williams. Together, they will portray a lively and eclectic group of West African immigrant hair braiders working in a bustling Harlem salon.
The play’s official synopsis reads: Jaja’s bustling hair braiding salon 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.
Adding to the production’s excitement, Taraji P. Henson, LaChanze, and entertainment company Madison Wells Live have joined as producers. The play aims to address themes that deeply resonate within the Black community and celebrate the beauty, strength, and empowerment of Black women through the art of hair braiding.
“Jaja’s African Hair Braiding” is set to make its Broadway debut this fall, promising to offer a fresh perspective and innovative storytelling to theatergoers.
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