A Very Pertinent Story About the Power of Sorority
Even though San Diego is an incubator for Broadway and New York productions, it’s also great to have the opportunity to see fantastic pieces born on the East Coast, in this town where the sun shines (most of the time), along the comforting waves of the beach.
La Jolla Playhouse is hosting the Southern California premiere of the Tony-nominated Jaja’s African Hair Braiding, by Jocelyn Bioh. Set in 2019 in Harlem, the salon is renowned for its artful hairstyles and recognized as one of the best. Salon owner Jaja, portrayed by the gorgeous and vibrant Victoire Charles, is getting ready for her wedding and a new life. Her daughter, Marie (Jordan Rice), is not thrilled about her nuptials, but she supports her mother and takes care of the salon’s duties. The work day at the salon goes by like any other until an unexpected turn of events puts everything on the line.
There is magic in a beauty salon where women come together and share the space while getting pretty (er). It is like a vortex where everything outside is left behind, and the sole focus is there for a couple of hours. In the case of Jaja’s, a whole day can be spent there. David Zinn’s popping design brings the magic of the chairs, complemented by the fitting TV entertainment, courtesy of Stefania Bulbarella’s video design, along with various color extensions, wigs, and beauty products. There is a double street take that shifts between the salon’s outside and inside, accompanied by Jiyoun Chang’s lighting, which marks the time of day “outside” as well as entrances and exits for the different characters.
Jocelyn Bioh took the time in her play to give the audience each character’s backstory, one more detailed than others, but you can get the gist of everyone. Miriam (Bisserat Tseggai) is longing for home and to be reunited with her little family; Ndidi (Aisha Sougou), the young rockstar hairstylist; Aminata (Tiffany Renee Johnson), the breadwinner, who cannot set firm boundaries; and Bea (Claudia Logan), the almost washed-up hairstylist with a lot to say. Of course, the salon semiotics would not be complete without its regulars and walk-ins. Mia Ellis, as Jennifer, who wanted a completely new hair look, witnessed the entire salon workday and then some.
Two actresses took the cake, or should I say “style,” by delivering all these roles. Melanie Brezill went from Beyonce’s double to a scared customer wanting to switch, finalizing with a regular, just maintaining the do. And Leovina Charles gave an OCD, narcoleptic, preppy school girl, and salon customer pro like no one else. Dede Ayite’s costumes added to the personality of each character, rounding out the frame for the audience. (and, to be honest, some added fashion tips for yours truly).
Also, Onye Eme-Akwari took on all the male roles in the story, going from a happy street vendor to a sloppy husband and an enamoured crush. Another thing Akwari brought to the scenes was familiarity with the audience ,as many giggled and pointed out things/behaviours that happen in New York—witnessing that made the performance much more fun and palpable.
Whitney White’s direction gave the production a fun rhythm, with all the actors and different characters syncing to the moment as well as the audience.
I often include the reminder that theatre is memory. It is a record that puts the context and or reminds us.
With everything happening currently in the world, and more specifically in one of San Diego’s restaurants this week in the South Park area. This story reaches an even more powerful push.
Currently playing until June 15th. For more information, please click here.
The Stage Manager for this production is Melanie J. Lisby, with Assistant Stage Managers: Edward Khris Fernandez and Brillian Qi-Bell.
