Taraji P. Henson, LaChanze, and Entertainment company Madison Wells Live, join the producing team of Manhattan Theatre Club’s world premiere play, “Jaja’s African Hair Braiding.” The play, written by Jocelyn Bioh and directed by Whitney White, addresses themes that deeply resonate within the Black community and will be an essential addition to the Broadway stage.
Jaja’s African Hair Braiding is set to make its debut on Broadway this fall, with previews starting on Tuesday, September 12, and the official opening on Tuesday, October 3, at the Samuel J. Friedman Theatre.
“Jaja’s African Hair Braiding” takes place in a bustling hair braiding salon located in Harlem, where a lively and eclectic group of West African immigrant hair braiders showcase their artistry by creating masterpieces on the heads of neighborhood women. The play unfolds during a scorching summer day, where love blossoms, dreams flourish, and long-held secrets are revealed, simmering beneath the surface of their lives. The tight-knit community is forced to confront what it means to be outsiders on the edge of the place they call home.
READ: Jocelyn Bioh’s Play Jaja’s African Hair Braiding to Debut on Broadway Next Year
Jocelyn Bioh and Whitney White, making their Broadway debuts as playwright and director, respectively, bring their fresh perspectives and innovative storytelling to the production.
LaChanze said the playwright “brings the vibrant lived experiences within our global community to center stage,” and that the “the joyous, funny, and inspiring play is sure to attract fresh and inclusive audiences.”
Taraji P. Henson highlighted the play’s immense importance within the Black community:
“This play holds immense importance within the Black community, addressing themes that resonate deeply. It celebrates the beauty, strength, and resilience of Black women, highlighting the art of hair braiding as a form of self-expression and empowerment.“
Lynne Meadow, Artistic Director of Manhattan Theatre Club, announces the exciting new additions to the producing team, praising the unique talents they bring to the project. Madison Wells Live, known for championing stories for, by, and about badass women and boundary-pushing individuals, boasts an impressive Broadway portfolio, including “Shucked,” “Company,” “Mike Birbiglia’s The Old Man and The Pool,” “Pass Over,” and “Hadestown.”
Gigi Pritzker, founder of Madison Wells, and executive producer Jamie Forshaw express their enthusiasm for joining the production team. Pritzker hails “Jaja’s African Hair Braiding” as witty, entertaining, and moving, casting a spotlight on the remarkable talents of Jocelyn Bioh and Whitney White, two trailblazing female artists captivating audiences with empowering narratives.
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As the fall of 2023 approaches, we’ll update with the full casting and creative team for “Jaja’s African Hair Braiding.”
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