Jaja’s African Hair Braiding

October 1 – November 9, 2025

Jaja’s African Hair Braiding at the Mark Taper Forum Ad

Jaja’s African Hair Braiding
By Jocelyn Bioh
Directed by Whitney White

A co-production with Arena Stage, Berkeley Repertory Theatre, Chicago Shakespeare Theater and La Jolla Playhouse
In association with Madison Wells Live and LaChanze

Ticket Price (all-in pricing including fees)

Starts at $40.25

Runtime

90 minutes, no intermission.

Friends Ticket Presale

Presale: July 9, 2025

Amex Presale Tickets™

Presale: July 16, 2025

Single Tickets

On sale: July 23, 2025

THE TONY-WINNING COMEDY DIRECT FROM BROADWAY

Step into the vibrant world of Jaja’s African Hair Braiding, a beloved Harlem hotspot where West African immigrant braiders work their magic on the locals’ locks. Amidst the lively buzz of a scorching summer, love ignites, dreams soar, and secrets unravel. But beneath the surface of this riotous comedy lies a current of uncertainty, pushing this close-knit community to confront the challenges of being outsiders in their own neighborhood.

From the pen of Tony Award-nominated Ghanaian American playwright Jocelyn Bioh (School Girls; Or, The African Mean Girls Play, Kirk Douglas Theatre) and directed by Tony Award nominee and Obie Award winner Whitney White, Jaja’s African Hair Braiding is “a play that is equally affecting as it is hilarious,” hails Entertainment Weekly. 

Critics' Pick

"Hot and hilarious… prepare for laughter!"

The New York Times

"Brilliant! A powerful tale about joy, dreams, community, and sisterhood."

Entertainment Weekly

Jaja’s African Hair Braiding is playing at the Mark Taper Forum in Los Angeles from October 1 - November 9, 2025—a vibrant Tony-winning Broadway comedy following a close-knit community. Tickets on sale now!

Showtimes & Tickets

Click on the button below to view a calendar with all of our available performance dates and times.

Calendar

Show Details

Promotions & Events

Enhance your theatregoing experience with one of these special events

A vibrant modern bar with luxary design.

The Beaudry Room

Visit The Beaudry Room before or after the show – just one block away from the theatre! Located on the 10th floor of Conrad Los Angeles, The Beaudry Room by Chef José Andrés offers vibrant tapas, bold cocktails, and sweeping views of Downtown LA. Highlights include croquetas, a Txule ribeye burger, and signature drinks like the Shiso Spicy Margarita and “Taken for Granted.” 

Special Offer: Jaja’s African Hair Braiding ticket holders enjoy 10% discount on food before or after the show. Please show your tickets (digital or printed) to your server. 

Visit Website

Two women socializing with drinks in their hands.

The Backyard Series: Black Owned Business Night

Join us for the first performance of Jaja’s African Hair Braiding! Kick off the evening with food, drinks, and local vendors at our CTG Backyard before the show. Celebrate and support amazing Black-owned businesses while experiencing Jocelyn Bioh’s funny and heartfelt new play, together in community. 

Use code BLKOWNED for special pricing

Wednesday, October 1, 2025
Event: 6PM
Performance: 7:30PM

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Jocelyn Bioh

In Conversation: Jocelyn Bioh & Snehal Desai

Join Artistic Director Snehal Desai and playwright Jocelyn Bioh for a pre-show conversation exploring the journey of Jaja’s African Hair Braiding – from its inspiration and development to its powerful resonance with audiences across the country. Hear firsthand how Jocelyn brought this vibrant story to life and what it means to share it with Los Angeles audiences. 

Friday, October 3, 2025 
Doors open: 6:30PM 
Pre-show conversation in the theatre: 7PM 
Performance: 8PM

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The Company of Jaja’s African Hair Braiding production photo

West African Culture Night

Enjoy an evening celebrating West African culture at Jaja's African Hair Braiding. Use the promo code below to receive a complimentary drink before the show. After the performance, stay for an engaging conversation moderated by Nigerian-American playwright and professor Julie Taiwo Quarles, featuring members of the cast as they share reflections on the production and its cultural resonance. 

Tuesday, October 21, 2025 
Check-in to get a drink: starting 6PM 
Performance: 7:30PM 

Use code WESTAFR for special pricing.

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A panel of actors sit on the set of 'A Strange Loop', one of them is speaking into a mic.

Stage Talks

Stage Talks offer an opportunity for theatregoers to come together after select performances for engaging conversations with cast members and/or the creative team. 

Tuesday, October 21, 2025, 7:30PM
Tuesday, October 28, 2025, 7:30PM
Sunday, November 2, 2025, 1PM

A Night at JAJA'S AFRICAN HAIR BRAIDING presented by American Express

Join us for a special post-show conversation. Terms apply.

Thursday, October 30, 2025 at 7:30PM

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Cast

Michelle, Chrissy, LaNiece

Melanie Brezill

Vanessa, Radia, Sheila; she/her

Leovina Charles

Jaja; she/her

Victoire Charles

Jennifer, u/s Chrissy, u/s Michelle, u/s LaNiece; she/her

Mia Ellis

Aminata; she/her

Tiffany Renee Johnson

Bea; she/her

Claudia Logan

James, Franklin, Olu, Eric; he/him

Michael Oloyede

Ndidi; she/her

Abigail C. Onwunali

Marie; she/her

Jordan Rice

Miriam; she/her

Bisserat Tseggai

Assistant Director, u/s Miriam, u/s Aminata, u/s Ndidi; she/her

Debora Crabbe

u/s James, Olu, Franklin, Eric; he/him

Vandous Stripling II

u/s Marie, u/s Vanessa, u/s Shela, u/s Radia; she/her

Donae Swanson

u/s Jaja, u/s Bea; she/her

Sadé Ayodele

Nollywood Dreams Actor; she/her

Morgan Scott

Nollywood Dreams Actor; he/ him

Onye Eme-Akwari

Creative Team

Playwright

Jocelyn Bioh

Director

Whitney White

Additional Direction; she/her

Manna-Symone Middlebrooks

Set Designer; he/him

David Zinn

Costume Designer

Dede Ayite

Lighting Designer; she/her

Jiyoun Chang

Sound Designer and Original Music; he/him

Justin Ellington

Wig, Hair and Make-Up Design; she/her

Nikiya Mathis

Video Designer; she/her

Stefania Bulbarella

Voice and Dialect Coach

Jacqueline Springfield

Production Stage Manager; she/her

Brillian Qi-Bell

Stage Manager; she/her

Jihee Jenny Park

Casting Director; she/her

Erica A. Hart, CSA

Casting

Kelly Gillespie, CSA

Casting

David Caparelliotis, CSA

Additional Resources

Program

Ghostlight | Educational Resources

Season Programming Support Provided By

S. Mark Taper Foundation

 

Student Matinee Ticket Access for Jaja’s African Hair Braiding is provided by Dove, a proud co-founder of the CROWN Coalition.

Dove | Crown Coalition

 

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