FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
MarkDavid Carter Emma Perrin
Natural Hair Fest Chicago Chicago Shakespeare Theater
Call/Text: 240.646.4819 Call: 312.667.4957
Email: chicago@naturalhairfest.com Email: eperrin@chicagoshakes.com
Website: www.naturalhairfest.com Website: www.chicagoshakes.com
Chicago, IL — Natural Hair Fest Chicago is thrilled to announce an exciting collaboration with the Chicago Shakespeare Theater to bring the artistry and cultural resonance of the Broadway hit Jaja’s African Hair Braiding to life. This exclusive event will be held on Sunday, January 19, 2025, at the Courtyard by Marriott Chicago Magnificent Mile, located at 165 East Ontario Street, Ontario Ballroom, Chicago, IL 60611.
This dynamic partnership bridges the worlds of natural hair care and performing arts through a curated lineup of engaging sessions, including a panel discussion, a Meet & Greet with Hair & Wig team, and a breathtaking Fantasy Hair Presentation inspired by award-winning hair and wig designer, Nikiya Mathis. Chicago Shakespeare Theater presents Jaja’s African Hair Braiding in The Yard January 14 – February 2, 2025
Event Highlights
- Healthy Hair Session: Hair Braiding Panel
- Join Tinika Sadiku, Hair & Wig Supervisor for Jaja’s African Hair Braiding, along with other creative team members, for an insightful discussion on the cultural significance of hair braiding.
- Explore behind-the-scenes stories of designing hair and wigs for the Broadway stage.
- Gain expert advice on maintaining healthy, beautiful hair while embracing braids and protective styles.
- Meet & Greet with the Wig Supervisor and Team
- A unique opportunity for attendees to meet the creative team who worked with the visionary behind the show’s stunning hair creations and wig designs.
- Ask questions, take photos, and learn about the creative process that helped Nikiya bring the play’s characters to life.
- Fantasy Hair Presentation
- Witness the artistry of natural hair through a live showcase of 3 to 4 breathtaking fantasy hairstyles, inspired by Jaja’s African Hair Braiding.
- Designed by Nikiya Mathis and her team, these bold and intricate styles celebrate the artistry and storytelling power of hair for the program.
Why Attend?
This collaboration celebrates the artistry and cultural heritage of natural hair while providing attendees with practical insights and creative inspiration. Natural Hair Fest Chicago and Chicago Shakespeare Theater are uniting to foster meaningful conversations about identity, culture, and the artistry of hair braiding.
“This partnership is a celebration of creativity and cultural pride,” said MarkDavid Carter, Founder of Natural Hair Fest Chicago. “We are honored to collaborate with Chicago Shakespeare Theater to build awareness and celebrate the essence of Jaja’s African Hair Braiding at our festival and inspire our community to attend.”
“We could not be more thrilled to share the dynamic show that is Jaja’s African Hair Braiding with Chicago,” said Shemar Wheeler, Arts Leadership Fellow at Chicago Shakespeare Theater. “The work we present on our stages allow us to make meaningful connections across the city and provides a unique opportunity to collaborate with community partners, such as Natural Hair Fest, in impactful ways that extends beyond the theater.”
Tickets and Information
Tickets for these unforgettable events are now available. For more details and to purchase tickets, visit www.naturalhairfest.com or www.chicagoshakespeare.com/jaja contact us at chicago@naturalhairfest.com or Call 240.646.4819.


















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