Making theatre with artisans of Berkeley Rep

The central artisanal element in Jaja’s African Hair Braiding is, of course, the hair. And Nikiya Mathis’ stunning hair and wig designs aren’t just beautiful — they in many ways shape the show. Mathis was showered with accolades for her work, including a 2024 Drama Desk Award and a 2024 Special Tony Award. Berkeley Rep speaks with Mathis about creating designs for Jaja’s African Hair Braiding.

Jocelyn Bioh has shared with us how your designs were integral to how the play is structured, in terms of what could be accomplished, hair-wise, on stage. Can you briefly describe how you worked with her and with director Whitney White?

Jocelyn gave a very clear road map. In fact, she described the styles in the text of the play, e.g.,  “large box braids” or “micro braids,” etc. So I gathered a bunch of images of those styles, and then I would go to her and Whitney to see if the image that I pulled was what she had in mind. And with the micro braids, I actually braided some different sizes, and had them choose which size felt right, to make sure that we were on the same page.

We also held braiding classes for the actors, which was so much fun. Jocelyn and Whitney would pop into those classes and take a try at the braiding as well. It created an amazing sense of community, in a way that I hadn’t experienced on other shows. It showed just how special this show was.

I would then pop into rehearsals to help guide the actors on some of the hair braiding magic.

Jocelyn had written what the style was, but it was up to me to determine what the magic was, and then up to Whitney to orchestrate that magic. This was the first time that, as a wig designer, I got to collaborate closely with the writer and director on parts of the staging. Usually, it’s taboo for anyone except the writer or director to have a say in what’s going on on stage, unless they ask for it. But, they both gave me the freedom to give my braiding expertise — and even to give notes to the cast — in such an open way.

On the Stage

This week there is something for everyone. From a West Coast premiere, to a passionate opera, to a Grammy nominee, we’ve got your plans right here.  

Jaja’s African Hair Braiding

Theatre | Berkeley Repertory Theatre
Now – December 15 | Tickets

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.

View the Program

More Events

• The Matchbox Magic Flute | Berkeley Repertory Theatre | Now – December 15 | View the Program
• Carmen | San Francisco Opera | Now – December 1
• Leonidas Kavakos | Cal Performances | November 15 – 16
• Fauré’s Requiem | San Francisco Symphony | November 15 – 17 | View the Program

Next Line

Extra shows, livestreams, and ice cream. Here are all the most important updates…

• Berkeley Rep announced that they will be extending The Matchbox Magic Flute due to popular demand. The reimagining of Mozart’s Magic Flute will now run through December 8. Don’t miss the show that The Mercury News says, “sparks with a sense of frivolity and fun apropos of the season, continuing the Rep’s tradition of holiday shows that inspire revelry.”
• Want to stay in this week, but also craving some culture? You’re in luck. This week San Francisco Opera presents a livestream of Carmen on November 19. In addition to a livestream, the performance will be available on demand from November 20 to 22.
• I scream, you scream, we all scream for…Golden Girls inspired ice cream? Broadway SF has partnered with local brand Humphry Slocombe on a limited-edition ice cream flavor inspired by The Golden Girls Live: The Christmas Episodes. Now in its 19th year, the holiday drag-parody show will play at the Curran Theatre from December 5 to 22. The ice cream flavor “Shady Pine-Apple” can be found at all Bay Area Humphry Slocombe locations beginning on December 5.