The play highlights the immigrant experience and the beauty of Black hair, showcasing local talent in Chicago.

Chicago: “Jaja’s African Hair Braiding” opened on Broadway in 2023 and had a great run, even extending twice. This comedy by Jocelyn Bioh, a Ghanaian American playwright, got six Tony nominations and won two for costume and wig design.
After its Broadway success, the play, which gives a glimpse into a day at a Harlem beauty salon, is now touring. It’s making a stop at the Chicago Shakespeare Theater, running until February 2.
While it’s funny, the play also tells the story of African immigrants trying to thrive in America. Even though it’s set in Harlem, it has strong ties to Chicago, with three women from the creative team hailing from the city. They’re excited to share this important story about the immigrant experience and the beauty of Black hair.
Director Whitney White, who’s from Chicago, expressed her connection to the community. She’s been going to Clem’s African Hair Braiding on Broadway her whole life. “Everything I understand about ‘Jaja’s’ comes from my roots,” she said, feeling honored to share it with her hometown.
Whitney, a graduate of the Latin School of Chicago, spent her early years between the North and South sides. She fondly remembers going to Chicago Shakespeare Theater, where she first saw a play and took acting classes.
The story of “Jaja’s” unfolds in just one day at a busy New York salon. It features various wigs that show clients at different stages of getting their hair done. The immigrant workers share their experiences of living and working in America throughout the show.
Whitney humorously compares it to a Black version of “Harry Potter,” with the magic of hair styling. The crew has a big job, as some actors wear up to six wigs during the performance.
Chicago native Melanie Brezill plays multiple customers and even gets her hair styled on stage. She connects with her characters, saying she’s been a bit of each one at different points in her life.
Melanie emphasizes the deep connection between stylists and clients, saying, “As a Black woman, your hair is really your crown.” She believes stylists are like artists, helping clients feel empowered and beautiful.
Tiffany Renee Johnson, who plays a stylist named Aminata, agrees that the show captures the essence of salon life. She’s noticed that audiences relate to the characters and their experiences, finding familiarity in the story.
But “Jaja’s” is more than just laughs and hairstyles. It carries a meaningful message that resonates with viewers long after the curtain falls.
Hair and wig designer Nikiya Mathis works hard to prepare the wigs for the show, ensuring everything looks perfect.
Tiffany believes the audience will see the humanity in the West African women portrayed in the play. She hopes they’ll reflect on the effort it takes to style hair and the lives of these women outside the salon.
Melanie finds beauty in tackling serious topics while entertaining. She believes that watching “Jaja’s” will help people understand and empathize with immigrants pursuing the American dream, offering a new perspective on their lives.