Jaja's African Hair Braiding Reviews

Washington Post- Recommended

"...The kaleidoscope of colors and textures on display in “Jaja’s African Hair Braiding” demonstrates more than the whims of the women who wear them. Style is about making a personal statement that speaks to public perception."

DC Theater Arts- Highly Recommended

"...It’s exciting to see all the elements of a play come together so seamlessly, especially when tackling African themes and representation. In Jaja’s African Hair Braiding, written by Jocelyn Bioh and directed by Whitney White, Arena Stage has hit the mark."

MetroWeekly- Recommended

"...Take it from somebody who's sat in a stylist's chair at an African hair braiding shop in Harlem, and had the kind woman scoff at the thought of trying to finesse too little hair into D'Angelo-inspired cornrows, that watching Whitney White's snappy staging of JaJa's African Hair Braiding is like stepping into a salon on 125th Street in Manhattan."

Washington City Paper- Highly Recommended

"...Ultimately, the gravity of Jaja and Marie’s situation is inescapable, but thankfully, so is the pleasure in watching these women joke, spar, toil, and dream. Jaja’s African Hair Braiding honors their experience by ringing with truth as much as it rings with laughter. But by all means, don’t take the word of a White guy who barely combs his hair: See it for yourself, and take the roars of laughter and cheers of recognition from those in the know."

Washington Informer- Highly Recommended

"...Jocelyn Bioh’s “Jaja’s African Hair Braiding,” directed by Whitney White, currently running at Arena Stage until Oct. 13, is hilarious, captivating, educational and for anyone that’s ever been to a hair salon–particularly a braiding shop— relatable. However, in a divided political climate, Bioh’s play is not just a theatrical source of comic relief, it’s a necessary tale of immigrants in America, who build lives, achieve goals and face challenges, despite obstacles that make the United States feel far from a welcoming place for foreigners seeking new lives."

MD Theatre Guide- Highly Recommended

"...Sharif’s first curatorial turn, “Jaja’s African Hair Braiding” packs a deliciously engaging punch and kicks off a season that is bound to be surprising and, as is always the case when it comes to Arena, highly entertaining."

BroadwayWorld- Highly Recommended

"...Alongside this tension is the sincere and heartwarming story of Miriam, who has left her husband and child in Sierra Leone in search of a better life. Her troubled marriage is revealed through conversations with her client, Jennifer (Mia Ellis), who requests a particularly complex braid that will keep her in the chair for the entire day."