Premiering February 14 - March 1st at Manos Sagrados
Happy 2B Nappy: Our Hair Story is a vibrant theatrical celebration that traces the rich and complex journey of Black hair in America through dynamic storytelling, dance, and poetry. Centered around the loving wisdom of G-ma, a spirited grandmother, the play unfolds as she shares the profound history and meaning of Black hair with her granddaughter Kayla and Kayla’s best friend Hanna. Struggling with shame and teasing at school because of her natural hair, Kayla finds solace and pride as G-ma’s stories transport the audience across time, revisiting iconic Black hair moments from braids and conk styles to the boldness of Afro puffs and curls. Each vignette reveals the resilience, challenges, and cultural victories woven into the tapestry of Black hair.
The journey culminates in a joyous celebration of self-love and heritage, as Kayla learns to embrace the beauty and power of her natural hair, empowered by the ancestral knowledge and love passed down through G-ma’s tales.
Happy 2B Nappy: Our Hair Story
Written & Directed by Kenya Mahogany
This production was selected for the Control Group Productions’ Guest Artist Producing (GAP) Initiative.
Lead Artist: Kenya Mahogany
Kenya Mahogany Fashaw is a Denver-based theater artist, cultural advocate, and storyteller
whose work celebrates and elevates Black narratives. As an actress, director, playwright,
spoken word performer, and educator, she views storytelling as a sacred tool for liberation and
transformation. She founded Black Artists Amplified to empower youth and community voices
through healing and expressive arts. Her award-winning play Colorism: Breaking the Chains of
Complexion exemplifies her commitment to confronting internalized oppression and honoring
Black beauty. Kenya’s performances span Colorado stages—from Toni Stone at Aurora Fox to
Confederates at Curious Theatre—and her spoken word legacy with Slam Nuba lives on
through events like House of Poetry, where she fuses rhythm, resistance, and revelation.
Project Timeline: The Journey of Happy 2B Nappy
2019
The Seed Is Planted
My 6-year-old daughter voiced doubts about her natural hair. Inspired by bell hooks’ Happy to Be Nappy, I began writing a play to affirm her beauty and honor Black girlhood.
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2022
First Public Sharing
Submitted to the Athena Project, where a dramaturg provided feedback. A virtual reading and discussion followed, opening the work to community dialogue.
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2023
Live Stage Reading
Firehouse Theater hosted a staged reading, offering valuable feedback that helped refine the script.
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2025
Residency & Fundraising
GAP Lead Artist with Control Group Productions. Spent the year fundraising and building community support to bring the play to life.
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2026
World Premiere
On February 14, Happy 2B Nappy premieres live—celebrating Black hair, heritage, and the love that sparked it all.
