The Thousands

The casting call for Hair (the book) was probably pretty similar to that of Hair (the musical). Seeking: bearded Jesus look-alikes (Portuguese Christian Princess St. Wilgefortis makes an appearance), long-haired hippies (we don’t know that for sure, but some of the contributors seem like likely candidates), stylised afros (from the ridgey-didge Aboriginal versions to African parlours in Enmore) and sexual overtones (a poem on pubes, par example). The follicularly-challenged need not apply.

And just like Hair (the musical), Hair (the book), volume one in the Trunk anthologies, presents an ensemble cast keen to get to the root of humanity’s tangled mess atop our heads and drooping from our hineys. Unlike the musical, this is a tasteful, articulate exploration that unravels the topic without a song and dance. Next issue is Blood – at which time hammy comparisons to Menopause: the Musical will no doubt ensue.