Braids

Synopsis

A bedroom in County Durham and locations across England, where two young women forge a friendship that challenges their understanding of identity and belonging

Isabelle, a mixed-race 18-year-old from County Durham, and Jasmine, a 19-year-old Black girl from South London, develop a profound friendship as Jasmine braids Isabelle’s hair into vibrant purple braids. Their intimate conversations in Isabelle’s bedroom serve as a backdrop for exploring their personal experiences, cultural backgrounds, and the complexities of racial identity in contemporary Britain. As their friendship deepens, the girls venture beyond the bedroom to locations like Durham Cathedral and a wooded riverbank, symbolizing their journey of self-discovery and mutual support.

Hannah’s play delves into the nuances of racial identity and cultural belonging through the authentic, often humorous dialogue between Isabelle and Jasmine. By contrasting their different backgrounds and experiences, Braids offers a poignant exploration of how young women navigate friendship, personal aspirations, and societal expectations in a world that often struggles to understand their complexity. The play’s structure, moving between intimate personal spaces and broader public settings, reflects the internal and external journeys of its characters as they confront and challenge perceptions of race and identity.