Black hair is expression—whether in Jheri curls, cornrows or blown-out Afros. At least that’s the case in the show Nappy Journeys.
Ayinde Hurrey wrote the one-man performance piece more than 10 years ago as part of a requirement for his master of fine arts degree in acting from the University of Florida. And over the years, Hurrey has updated the show.
As he proved last night, Hurrey is an engaging performer blessed with the ability to morph easily into a myriad of characters. He goes from being a mischievous kid who loves to dance and is teased for his Jheri curl to a sassy female college student whose motto is “Love, leave me, or groove me.”
He is a natural comedian, eliciting loud laughter. Hurrey uses the humor to slip in serious messages about how his hair has helped shape his identity and how he has been judged by others because of his hair.
“Hair is an expression of history, my history,” he says in the play.
And it is.
To some, nappy may connote negativity. But to Hurrey, nappy is nothing to be ashamed of.
What makes the show particularly enjoyable is Hurrey’s insistence on audience participation, making the show feel like the call and response of some church services.
The one mishap was the lighting, which darkened and brightened at weird times, becoming distracting in some instances. But it was not enough to ruin either Hurrey’s comedic brilliance or the power of his message.
■ Michael Hewlett can be reached at 727-7326 or at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).
■ Nappy Journeys will be performed at 3 and 8 p.m today at the Shirley Recital Hall, Salem College. For tickets, $37, go by the box office at the Benton Convention Center.