Broadway's Jaja's African Hair Braiding Is Going on Tour

The Manhattan Theatre Club production of Jocelyn Bioh's play will travel to Washington, D.C.; California's Bay Area; and Chicago.

Lakisha May and Nana Mensah in Jaja’s African Hair Braiding Matthew Murphy

Jocelyn Bioh's Jaja’s African Hair Braiding is going on tour. The Manhattan Theatre Club production will embark on a multi-city tour beginning this fall, with stops planned in Washington, D.C.; California's Bay Area; and Chicago.

The tour will kick off at Arena Stage in Washington, D.C. September 6, moving to Berkeley Repertory Theatre November 8, and Chicago Shakespeare Theater January 14, 2025. Casting is to be announced. The tour is being produced in association with Madison Wells Live and LaChanze.

The work, which opened its world premiere on Broadway in October 2023, is set in a Harlem hair braiding salon where a hot summer day brings out some love, dreams, and secrets. Whitney White will return to direct the tour after staging the Broadway bow.

The production features scenic design by David Zinn, costume design by Dede Ayite, lighting design by Jiyoun Chang, original music and sound design by Justin Ellington, video design by Stefania Bulbarella, and hair and wig design by Nikiya Mathis.