PERFORMANCES

Mar 5 – 22, 2026

WHERE

Studio One, Riffe Center
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By Jocelyn Bioh.

Welcome to Jaja’s, a buzzing, bustling Harlem salon where West African immigrant braiders create masterpieces on New Yorkers’ heads. Pull up a chair as love blossoms, dreams flourish, and secrets are revealed. But beneath the surface lies a current of uncertainty, pushing this close-knit community to confront the challenges of being seen as outsiders in the place they call home. Fresh off a twice-extended Broadway run, this laugh-out-loud comedic gem “is equally affecting as it is hilarious” (Entertainment Weekly). After a sold-out run of School Girls; Or, The African Mean Girls Play, Tony Award-nominated playwright (and Ohio State graduate) Jocelyn Bioh and Columbus director Shanelle Marie return to The Contemporary!

DETAILS:

Thursdays at 7:30 PM

Fridays and Saturdays at 8:00 PM

Sundays at 2:00 PM

Pay-What-You-Want Preview Performances will be Thursday, March 5 and Friday, March 6.

For more information about post-show talkbacks and panel discussions, check the “talkbacks and panels” tab below. Admittance to post-show programming is free with your ticket to the performance. 

March 8 – Community Conversation with Columbus Metropolitan Club
Post-Show Talkback
A facilitated dialogue connecting the themes of the play to conversations about culture, identity, entrepreneurship, and community. This is a continuation of the February 25 CMC Community Conversation.
March 12 – Hair Braiders Appreciation Night
Post-Show Panel Discussion
An invitation for professional and aspiring braiders to attend together and celebrate the cultural and economic impact of their work.
March 13 – Hair, Heritage & Who Gets to Wear It: Appreciation or Appropriation? Black Hair, Culture, and Identity
Post-Show Community Discussion
A post-show conversation exploring the cultural significance of Black hair, history, identity, and how we engage with cultural expression in respectful and informed ways.
March 14 – From Salon Chair to Center Stage
Post-Show Cast Talkback and Afterparty 
Cast talkback followed by a community celebration at Cure614 featuring music from Jaja’s sound designer Krate Digga.
March 15 – How We Show Up for Each Other Right Now: Standing Together: Bystander Action, Immigration, and Community Care
Post-Show Talkback
A conversation about supporting one another in moments of uncertainty, including bystander awareness and the immigrant experience.
March 19 – First-Generation Business Owners Night
Post-Show Panel Discussion
Recognizing the courage and resilience of first-generation entrepreneurs whose stories reflect many themes in the play.
March 20 – Won’t You Be My Neighbor Night
Post-Show Community Conversation
In recognition of Won’t You Be My Neighbor Day, this evening honors Fred Rogers’ legacy of kindness, community care, and connection. The night will celebrate the idea that being a good neighbor—listening, welcoming, and showing compassion—is a powerful way to strengthen our communities.
March 21 – Stories Behind the Story
Post-Show Cast Talkback
Cast talkback exploring the artistic process and personal connections to the material.

Approximately 90 minutes with no intermission.

Recommended for ages 13 and up.

We understand sensitivities vary from person to person, and encourage parents to use their best judgment when deciding to bring teens or younger children. If you have questions about content, please get in touch with our team at info@thecontemporaryohio.org

Coming Soon

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CREATIVE TEAM:

Director –Shanelle Marie
Scenic Designer –Laura Carlson-Tarantowski
Lighting Designer – Kelsey Gallagher
Costume Designer – Tabitha Abney
Wig Designer – Ludie Senatus
Sound Designer – Krate Digga
Props Designer – Brooklynn Sabino Smith
Movement Director – Cherelle Brown
Hair Choreographer – Latifat Sulaimon
Dialect Coach – Debora Crabbe
Costume/Wig Consultant – Angelina Herin
Sound Supervisor – Dave Wallingford
Stage Manager – Kirsten Upchurch*
Assistant Stage Manager – Skyler Kyser*

*Appearing through an Agreement between this theatre  and Actors’ Equity Association, the Union of Professional Actors and Stage Managers in the United States.

Lachandra Baker

JAJA*

Aliyah Graham

MARIE

Wilma Hatton

BEA

Anita Davis

AMINATA

Brandon Anderson

JAMES/SOCK MAN/DVD MAN/JEWELRY MAN

Shauna Marie

MIRIAM

Leigh

NDIDI

Lori Lindsey

JENNIFER

Tirzah Washington

VANESSA/RADIA/SHEILA
Bry’ana Bentley

Bry’ana Bentley

MICHELLE/CHRISSY/LANIECE