Jocelyn Bioh Celebrates Harlem’s African Women, Brilliantly

by Mary Lou Herlihy & Barry David Horwitz

Playwright Jocelyn Bioh dazzles us with intimate insights, fabulous hair, and a stunning climax.

By design, we forget for a while the ever-present dangers of being an immigrant in the U.S. Bioh shows us hard working, creative people who are seeking safe harbor, a future for their children, and a better life. Jaja, owner of the Harlem hair salon, says it best: “You want us to take care of your children, clean your houses, and then what?” Leave?

We love the braiding beauties at Jaja’s salon, working together as a fabulous team. The diverse African ladies show off their sassy, classy, sexy, and smart selves. Each has her brilliant moment to shine. With hilarious antics, magnificent hair, resplendent outfits, and playful footwear, they light up the stage.

In magical moments, the unfurling of carefully braided hairdos earns gasps of astonishment for their radiant artistry—all masterpieces. The rainbow of lyrical accents from many African countries provides musical accompaniment.

Under the sign “Jaja’s African Hair Braiding,” customers come and go, sit-com style, at this hot Harlem hang out. Veteran hairdresser Bea (Awa Sal Secka) accuses newbie Ndidi (Aisha Sougou) of stealing her clients. Bea, boisterously bitter, attacks her co-worker. Bea reveals her insecurities, while Ndidi maintains a youthful swagger, but Bea needs to fight to feel recognized.

Bea’s co-worker Aminata, the mesmerizing Tiffany Renee Johnson, sides with her stubborn friend as long as she can. But Aminata’s fears come back to haunt her. Johnson’s flamboyant Aminata is worth another whole drama in herself.

All eyes fix on Aminata when her cocky and guilty-as-sin husband James (Kevin Aoussou, u/s) arrives armed with flowers and alibis. In one spectacular moment, James appeals to God to strike him down if he’s lying. Priceless!

Jaja’s dutiful, young daughter Marie (Jordan Rice) keeps the peace, delivering food and comfort. The witty, comic set transports us from outside to inside as the workers arrange their chairs to welcome demanding clients. Magnificent, hot pink design by David Zinn and clockwork timing by Director Whitney White elevate the bustle to high comedy.

Hardworking  hairdresser Miriam (Bisserat Tseggai), in a sweet summer dress, welcomes Jennifer (Mia Ellis) who requests micro braids. Jennifer sits patiently for hours of intricate braiding, while the two women confess and share their hidden hopes. In a deeply moving monologue, Tseggai shines with Miriam’s story of lost love and a daughter left behind in Sierra Leone,  touching all our hearts.

Meanwhile, Marie, in boyish clothes, takes advantage of a quiet moment to work on her novel. As high school valedictorian, Marie has hopes, but no money for college and no papers—another immigrant peril.

When magnificent Jaja (Victoire Charles) enters in a spectacular, fitted wedding gown, she takes charge—all eyes on her. She is a successful African business woman with the world at her feet, sweeping away their fears. But her bright future depends on an oddly absent white man. As the commanding Jaja, Charles is a showstopper—transcendent.

“Jaja’s” offers community and friendship with an edge, full of raucous laughter, stellar acting, and sharp directing. Everyone will revel in the luminous and lush sets, feel-good music, neon costumes, and GLORIOUS HAIR!

With today’s threats of mass deportation, Bioh’s story resonates. While Trump tries to dehumanize immigrants, Bioh gloriously CELEBRATES the beautiful, scrappy, hardworking women and men, whose skills and artistry enrich and enable our lives. Don’t miss “Jaja”—a special and enlightening treat.

”Jaja’s African Hair Braiding” by Jocelyn Bioh, directed by Whitney White, set design by David Zinn, costumes by Dede Ayite, lighting by Jiyoun Chang, music by Justin Ellington, video by Stefania Bulbarella, & hair/wigs by Nikiya Mathis, at Berkeley Repertory Theatre.

Info: berkeleyrep.org – to December 15, 2024.

Cast: Melanie Brezill | Michelle, Chrissy, LaNiece; Leovina Charles | Vanessa, Sheila, Radia; Victoire Charles | Jaja; Yao Dogbe | James, Franklin, Olu, Eric; Mia Ellis | Jennifer; Tiffany Renee Johnson | Aminata; Jordan Rice | Marie; Awa Sal Secka | Bea; Aisha Sougou | Ndidi; and Bisserat Tseggai | Miriam.

Banner photo: Tiffany Renee Johnson & Awa Sal Secka, with Aisha Sougou, Melanie Brezill, Mia Ellis, & Bisserat Tseggai. Photos Ben Krantz Studio