2025/26 Season

Jaja’s African Hair Braiding

A Broadway Hit

Jaja’s African Hair Braiding

MAY – JUN 2025 | Mandell Weiss Theatre

By Jocelyn Bioh | Directed by Whitney White

Direct from Broadway, this dazzling production welcomes you into Jaja’s bustling shop in Harlem, where a lively and eclectic group of West African hair braiders create masterpieces on the heads of neighborhood women. During one sweltering summer day, love will blossom, dreams will flourish and friendships will be tested. When their uncertain circumstances boil over, this tight-knit group must confront what it means to be outsiders in the place they call home.

The Guardian called it “rapturous,” and The New York Times raved, “full of treasurable moments, when the drama feels tightly woven with the comedy.” Featuring humor as entertaining as its characters, this extraordinary play by Ghanaian-American playwright Jocelyn Bioh celebrates courage, community and the indomitable spirit of women. Jaja’s is a must-see for San Diego.

“Hot and hilarious… prepare for laughter.” The New York Times

“A powerful comedy with a twist… equally affecting as it is hilarious” Entertainment Weekly

“Wildly entertaining” The Guardian

“Bright, generous, and forceful” Vulture

“Bristling with wit and drama” The Daily Beast

Jaja’s African Hair Braiding is a co-production with Arena Stage, Berkeley Repertory Theatre and Chicago Shakespeare Theater, in association with Madison Wells Live & LaChanze.


 
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Cast & Creators
Image of Jocelyn Bioh Jocelyn Bioh Playwright
Image of Whitney White Whitney White Director
Venue Info

Mandell Weiss Theatre

The Mandell Weiss Theatre is a 492-seat proscenium arch theatre, with two front rows of removable seats allowing for a greater stage length. The theatre also maintains an upstairs wooden deck for parties, receptions and outdoor gatherings, and a small outdoor amphitheatre for pre-show entertainment.

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