Campus Play Brings Warmth with 'Jaja's African Hair Braiding'

Anyone who has ever spent time in a New York City hair salon knows it is a world unto itself --full of conversation, laughter, storytelling, and shared experience.

In the Black community, a visit to the salon is about more than hair and the people in the chairs; it’s also about the constant interruptions. Walk-in vendors may appear selling everything from socks and sheets to fake gold in look-alike Tiffany-blue boxes. At the same time, a religious enthusiast might stop by to distribute tracts and other Bible-based materials. Jaja’s African Hair Braiding seamlessly weaves these familiar moments into its story, adding another layer of authenticity to the experience. 

 That cultural richness is even more pronounced in a braiding salon, making York College’s latest theatrical production, “Jaja’s African Hair Braiding,” a true delight to experience. Ably performed primarily by York students and alumni, the play offered audiences an engaging and heartfelt end-of-year treat. 

 Performing and Fine Arts Professor Thomas Marion, chair of the Performing and Fine Arts Department, once again assembled a dynamic cast and creative team to entertain both the campus and the wider community. This time, the production featured Jaja’s African Hair Braiding by playwright Jocelyn Bioh, a work that celebrates community, resilience, and cultural identity. 

 Staged at the Illinois Jacquet Performance Space at York College from December 5–9, the production placed performers and audience members in close proximity. And despite the frigid temperatures outside, a different kind of warmth filled the space. Even in quiet moments, the characters exuded connection and humanity that resonated throughout with the audience. 

 The cast: Sade Akinyooye, Tyler Dazey, Erica Jeudy, Kiana Lamb, Aniya Morene, Hailey Rodney, C.J. Smith, Starshima Pearl Trent, Jasmin Shirley, and Tatyanna Wills, infused their performances with heart and soul. Under Professor Marion’s direction, and with the support of Stage Managers Chris Daly and Jalynn Kelly, the actors delivered powerful, authentic portrayals in their respective roles. 

Set Designer Harlan D. Penn transformed the intimate chapel space into a convincing braiding salon, complete with individual “stations” for each of the three or four stylists. Costume Designer Randy Houston’s costuming was equally impressive, capturing realistic, on-trend looks that enhanced the production’s authenticity. Lighting Designer Jeremy Stein and Technical Theater CLT Joshua Warner further supported the immersive atmosphere. 

In his playbill remarks, Joshua Warner captured the spirit of the production and the power of live theater:  

When doing things together and with a common goal, we are stronger. When we see other worlds on stage, we gain empathy for others. And if we were all a bit more empathetic, the world would be a much better place. It’s now more important than ever to support live theater, representation, equal liberties, and arts in education.