Inside Jaja’s African Hair Braiding: A Conversation with Playwright Jocelyn Bioh

Art Works Podcast

In this episode of Art Works, a conversation with Jocelyn Bioh, the brilliant and funny mind behind Jaja's African Hair Braiding, a play set in a Harlem salon that explores the lives of African immigrant women. Bioh shares how her childhood visits to New York City's hair braiding shops inspired the play and discusses the influence of current immigration debates on its themes. She also discusses the unexpected journey of Jaja's African Hair Braiding having its world premiere on Broadway and collaborating with a creative team to bring the play's unique magic to life—including its Tony Award-winning costumes and wigs.

The conversation touches on Bioh's background as a first-generation Ghanaian-American, her transition from acting to writing, and how her personal experiences fuel her storytelling. From the cultural nuances within the African diaspora to the broader themes of community and belonging, Bioh explains how the specificity of her stories connects with diverse audiences and offers reflections on the power of comedy as a tool for addressing serious issues.

Note: Jaja's African Hair Braiding has started it National tour. It is running at Washington DC’s Arena Stage until October 13. It moves to Berkeley Repertory Theatre November 8, and then Chicago Shakespeare Theater January 14, 2025.