“Jaja’s African Hair Braiding” will now play through Nov. 5 at Manhattan Theatre Club’s Samuel J. Friedman Theatre. Jocelyn Bioh’s world-premiere comedy is now in previews and will open on Oct. 3.
Additionally, the production will host a series of post-performance conversations for a series called “A Part of the Culture” as part of Manhattan Theatre Club’s Beyond the Stage programming.
On Oct. 8, filmmaker Similejesu Sonubi, celebrity hair stylist Johnny Wright and wig designer of “Jaja’s” Nikiya Mathis will join together for a “Shop Talk” discussion, which will highlight the role of braiding shops in the African diaspora, specifically in America.
A few days later on Oct. 12, ticket holders will be able to stay for a talk titled “Black Business Women.” Moderated by Renae Bluitt, creator and executive producer of the podcast “She Did That,” Kim Capers of the Hip Hop Film Festival and Princess Jenkins will dive into the topic of Black women and entrepreneurship.
Oct. 18 will be “Africa Night” at the Friedman Theatre. Attendees of “Jaja’s” will have the opportunity to join in an evening of celebration of African culture in partnership with African Restaurant Week, Africa Center and Chi Talent Management.
“Jaja’s African Hair Braiding” is produced by Manhattan Theatre Club (under the leadership of artistic director Lynne Meadow and executive director Chris Jennings), Madison Wells Live, LaChanze and Taraji P. Henson.
