Can I Touch It? Because Apparently Hair Salons Are the New Battleground
Living in Los Angeles is all sunshine and rainbows, right? Wrong. Sure, we've got beaches, celebrities galore, and enough avocado toast to fuel a small nation. But beneath the glamorous facade, a war is brewing. Not over who gets the last almond milk latte (although that can get brutal), but over something far more fundamental: Black hair care businesses and the ruthless forces of gentrification.
That's the stage Shay Solomon finds herself on in "can i touch it?", a play that's equal parts hilarious and heartbreaking. Shay's wig and hair care shop is her sanctuary, a haven for weaves, deep conditions, and the kind of gossip that would make even Hollywood blush. But her world is turned upside down when a fancy new development threatens to swallow her shop whole.
Weaves vs. White Walls: A Hilarious Showdown
Enter the soulless representatives of gentrification (think pressed khakis and an unhealthy obsession with kombucha). They dangle promises of "revitalization" and "increased property values" in front of Shay, all while eyeing her shop with the predatory gleam of a landlord who just discovered a loophole.
But Shay ain't having it. She's a fighter, a woman who knows the power of a good weave and a perfectly laid edge. "Can I touch it?" becomes her battle cry, a hilarious (and yes, sometimes infuriating) exploration of the struggles Black-owned businesses face in a rapidly changing city.
More Than Just Hair: A Celebration of Black Culture
This play isn't just about real estate. It's about the cultural significance of Black hair care spaces. It's about the sisterhood forged over shared laughs and styling tips. It's about the unwavering strength and resilience of Black women in the face of adversity.
"Can I touch it?" might make you laugh until your sides hurt, but it'll also leave you pondering the complex issues of gentrification, racial inequality, and the importance of holding onto your roots (pun intended) in a city obsessed with the new and shiny.
So, Angelenos, if you're looking for a night of laughter, social commentary, and a healthy dose of #BlackGirlMagic, then "can i touch it?" is the play for you. Just remember to bring your metaphorical fire extinguisher, because things might get heated.
