Jaja’s African Hair Braiding “gave us everything it needed to give, and then some.”
Guest blog by Charlie Stewart
I can’t thank the director, writer, production crew, and cast enough for bringing this important play to Columbus, Ohio. Everyone should go see this at the Contemporary Theatre of Ohio (check out the “pay what you can” days for inclusivity). What a powerful performance from the entire cast of “Jaja’s African Hair Braiding,” written by Ohio State graduate Jocelyn Bioh and directed by Shanelle Marie, with a stunning local cast. To make us laugh, cry, and fall in love with the characters is simply an unforgettable experience. Not only is this play culturally and politically relevant to the times we are in, but it teaches us how community can help us through the darkest times we go through in life. This is a must-see.
Without giving away any important spoilers, the play features an African woman-owned hair braiding shop called Jaja’s African Hair Braiding. The shop is in Harlem, New York with shop manager Marie and African hair braiders Ndidi, Aminata, and Bea. Bea and Aminata, being close friends, are resistant to the new hair braider, Ndidi, coming into the shop temporarily while her shop goes under repair after a fire. Marie, the daughter of shop owner Jaja, tries again and again to keep the peace. While customers come in and out to get fabulous hairstyles, the audience gets a fun-filled understanding of the customers’ and workers' lives. Also, what’s a hair braiding shop without the sock, jewelry and DVD man? Am I right?
Although there are joyful moments and campy dance breaks between scene transitions, this play has serious themes that impact our lives today. What I appreciated most was the way in which these serious themes were introduced to the audience, much like they are to the immigrants we love and protect. I won’t spoil this for you, but I strongly encourage you to go see the play for yourself to understand what I mean. In the end, the ways the characters come together despite their differences, their conflict and pain, and their past is truly beautiful to see.
The end of the play leaves us with a sense of hope in community and uncertainty for the future — the duality we all know and feel so well. Allowing us all a space to acknowledge what we have felt and the knowing of that shared feeling amongst us all gave us a sense of strength and belonging. The characters’ words breathe life into our need for community when we feel afraid, uncertain, and helpless. We can take several lessons from this extraordinary cast, writer, and director but for me, “Jaja’s African Hair Braiding” teaches me that community will always be the answer, come what may. It gave us everything it needed to give, and then some.
I saw the play with OIA’s Executive Director, Lynn Tramonte, who added, “It feels fitting for this play to be staged in Columbus right now. Driving through the city, I was struck by the creative variety of businesses that the greater Columbus community has access to, thanks to immigrants. Yemeni coffee houses, Indian sweets shops, African grocery stores and car mechanics. Restaurants featuring culinary gifts from across Asia and Latin America. At the same time, the presence of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents that surged just before Christmas continues to be felt. People straddle between living regular lives and living in fear. One wrong turn, one unlucky drive to work, and you could be taken from your loved ones — forever. The federal government is saying immigrants don’t belong here, while our communities are saying they are home. To me, that’s what makes ‘Jaja’s African Hair Braiding’ so important, right now, and why it's a gift that the Columbus community gets to see it.”
“Jaja’s African Hair Braiding” is presented by the Contemporary Theatre of Ohio (formerly CATCO), and runs through March 22, 2026 at the Riffe Center. Purchase tickets here. Contact the theater to inquire about additional “pay-what-you-can” opportunities. Read more about the play in The Lantern.
