The Great Jheri Curl Debate

by Inda Craig-Galván

FULL-LENGTH Veralynn Jackson knows hair, she knows her neighborhood, and she also knows that the invention of the Jheri Curl marks the end of the world. When she takes a job in Mr. Kim’s Korean-owned Black beauty supply store and the posters start talking to her, Veralynn might finally come to know her true calling.

FULL-LENGTH Veralynn Jackson knows hair, she knows her neighborhood, and she also knows that the invention of the Jheri Curl marks the end of the world. When she takes a job in Mr. Kim’s Korean-owned Black beauty supply store and the posters start talking to her, Veralynn might finally come to know her true calling.

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The Great Jheri Curl Debate

Recommended by

  • Shaun Leisher: The Great Jheri Curl Debate by Inda Craig-Galván
    “

    A moving period piece about two people who both don't seem to fit in but learn to enjoy each other's company at work. Craig-Galvan has a gift for dialogue and her use of magic in this play was a great touch. This is a great play for older actors of color that are looking for complex roles in plays that don't only focus on racism and trauma. Racism is certainly an element in this play but it's not the sole focus. I found that so refreshing. More productions of this play please.

    A moving period piece about two people who both don't seem to fit in but learn to enjoy each other's company at work. Craig-Galvan has a gift for dialogue and her use of magic in this play was a great touch. This is a great play for older actors of color that are looking for complex roles in plays that don't only focus on racism and trauma. Racism is certainly an element in this play but it's not the sole focus. I found that so refreshing. More productions of this play please.

    ”
  • Cheryl Bear: The Great Jheri Curl Debate by Inda Craig-Galván
    “

    Has Veralynn finally found her purpose? A moving and heartfelt look at finding that gift and the friendship that forms as a result. Well done.

    Has Veralynn finally found her purpose? A moving and heartfelt look at finding that gift and the friendship that forms as a result. Well done.

    ”
  • Playwrights Foundation: The Great Jheri Curl Debate by Inda Craig-Galván
    “

    Playwrights Foundation highly recommends THE GREAT JHERI CURL DEBATE, which excelled to the Finalist round (top 35) for the 44th annual Bay Area Playwrights Festival out of 755 plays. Our community of readers felt this play best represented the mission of our festival. This work engaged us, inspired us, moved us, and was an outstanding example of transformative storytelling. Our local Bay Area Literary Council commends THE GREAT JHERI CURL DEBATE as a compelling, relevant, cathartic new work which should be produced now. Congratulations! #BAPF2021

    Playwrights Foundation highly recommends THE GREAT JHERI CURL DEBATE, which excelled to the Finalist round (top 35) for the 44th annual Bay Area Playwrights Festival out of 755 plays. Our community of readers felt this play best represented the mission of our festival. This work engaged us, inspired us, moved us, and was an outstanding example of transformative storytelling. Our local Bay Area Literary Council commends THE GREAT JHERI CURL DEBATE as a compelling, relevant, cathartic new work which should be produced now. Congratulations! #BAPF2021

    ”

Development History

  • Workshop, East West Players Writers Group, 2020

Production History

  • Professional, East West Players, 2022