Jaja's African Hair Braiding, Kreeger Theatre, Arena Stage, Washington, DC
Awa Sal Secka (Bea), Colby N. Muhammad (Vanessa/Sheila/Radia), Melanie Brezill (Michelle/Chrissy/LaNiece), Victoire Charles (Jaja), Bisserat Tseggai (Miriam), Jordan Rice (Marie), Tiffany Renee Johnson (Aminata), and Mia Ellis (Jennifer) in ‘Jaja’s African Hair Braiding.’ Photo by T. Charles Erickson Photography. Jaja’s African Hair Braiding is the title of the play by Ghanaian-American Jocelyn Bioh, as well as the name of the immigrant-owned small business in Harlem where the play takes place. In the play, we become a part of what begins as a typical day as its finely-drawn, unique, and colorful characters gather and the braiders ply their trade, creating singular looks for a variety of patrons. We are far into the play before Jaja herself appears, marking a very special event in her life, which will have implications for the entire “family” of the business. Over the course of just 90 minutes, we become well-acquainted with these characters and their situations to the extent that t