A series of stories explore the history and culture behind Black women’s hair

When I was invited to review the premiere of “The Glorious World of Crowns, Kinks and Curls” by Keli Goff, produced by Phamaly Theatre Company, I knew it would resonate with my spirit. As a proud and beautiful Black woman who has navigated a complex relationship with my own “crown of glory,” I found myself deeply moved by this collection of 20 monologues exploring the experiences of women who don’t fit Eurocentric beauty standards.

The play — staged at The People’s Building in Aurora and directed by Betty Hart and Twanna LaTrice Hill — benefits from the venue’s accessibility and minimalist setting. An array of wigs adorning tabletops flanks the stage, creating a visually striking backdrop that allows the actors and their powerful stories to take center stage. This simplicity in design perfectly complements the raw, emotional performances that unfold throughout the evening.

Phamaly lives up to its reputation as a leader in accessibility and inclusion. Their commitment to embracing differences and challenging traditional theatre norms is evident both on stage and in their audience engagement, creating an atmosphere where everyone feels welcome and represented.

Shanae Adams and Artie Thompson | Photo: RDGPhotography

Historic context

Historically, Black women have been judged and demeaned because of their hair. Black women slaves were required to wear head scarves to cover their curls, kinks and coils.  Then later it was expected that Black women should take extreme efforts to straighten their hair with chemicals or excessive heat, to model more European beauty standards.  It was thought that women with longer, straighter hair were more desirable than women with shorter nappy hair.

The Glorious World of Crowns, Kinks and Curls explores how this history impacts us still today — whether it’s self-inflicted by our own doubts and insecurities or inflicted by society through micro-aggressions and blatant discrimination.

The monologues cover a wide range of experiences, touching on professional discrimination based on hairstyles, family dynamics surrounding “good” and “bad” hair, relationships and self-acceptance, hair as a form of political expression, and the vital importance of representation and self-love. A powerful recurring theme is the right to autonomy over one’s hair, encapsulated in the chant, “My hair, My body, My choice.”

Jada Shaw, Artie Thompson and Shanae Adams | Photo: RDGPhotography

Powerful performances

While all six actresses delivered compelling performances, three monologues stood out for their emotional impact. One featured a young girl praying for “pretty” hair to escape bullying, highlighting the early age at which these beauty standards begin to affect self-esteem. Another portrayed a girl’s defiant prayer after standing up to a boy who called her ugly, showcasing the strength that can come from self-acceptance.

The third story that stood out to me is about a Black woman President with long and lovely locks, a style that some people don’t correlate with qualities like presidential leadership. This woman demonstrates what’s possible if we release what others think of our beauty, our strength and our hair.

This was a short run that’s already ended, but I hope Phamaly reprises The Glorious World of Crowns, Kinks and Curls at some point. And remember, be an ally – never touch a Black woman’s hair without permission!