A Black woman’s face. She is in her early thirties, looking to her right, into the distance. This image is surrounded and infused with blue flecks and swirls, which represent the He-La Cells.

Family Tree

12 April-23 April

Family Tree is a beautifully poetic drama about race, health, the environment, and the incredible legacy of one of the most influential Black women of modern times.

Actors Touring Company and Belgrade Theatre Coventry in association with Brixton House present

Description

Family Tree is a beautifully poetic drama about race, health, the environment, and the incredible legacy of one of the most influential Black women of modern times. Fearlessly honest, hilarious, and ultimately transformative, this award-winning play is both a remembrance and a celebration.

Henrietta Lacks is one of most remarkable people in medical history. Her cells form the basis of the most important medical research and breakthroughs happening today, from cancer to HIV to COVID.

But Henrietta never knew any of this. Her cells were taken without her or her family’s knowledge or permission.

Henrietta was a Black woman: she is not the only one whose body has been exploited by the medical establishment.

Denied her place in history, now is the time for Henrietta’s incredible legacy to undergo a transformation … to blossom and grow into something new and wonderful.

This brand-new nationwide touring production is brought to you by playwright Mojisola Adebayo (Alfred Fagon Award winner for Family Tree) and director Matthew Xia (The Wiz, Shebeen).

★★★★★ “Beautifully poetic … Adebayo’s deft writing and the layered, nuanced performances allowed us to take solace in community and to look forward to a better future.” ToDoList

★★★★★ “Outspoken and magical … informs us with its history and move us with its personal stories.” British Theatre Guide

★★★★★ “Possibly one of the most important untold stories in history!”  WestEnd Bestfriend

★★★★ “an incredibly intelligent and accomplished piece that educates as much as it entertains” The Black Project

★★★★ “this is a stand out, powerful tale of Black women, by Black women and feels unashamedly for Black women.” The Reviews Hub

★★★★ “Strongly written, deeply felt, and crafted with a clear understanding of the historical context and still-relevant themes of Henrietta’s story” All That Dazzles

★★★★ “a first-class production…a first-class play” Behind the Arras

“A Powerful Production” Elementary Whats On

Cast

Henrietta Lacks – Aminita Francis

Ain/Anarcha/Oshun – Mofetoluwa Akande

Bibi/Bestey – Keziah Joseph

Lyn/Lucy – Aimée Powell

Smoking Man – Alistair Hall 

Creative Team

Playwright – Mojisola Adebayo

Director – Matthew Xia  

Set & Costume Design Simon Kenny 

Lighting Design – Simisola Majekodunmi 

Composer & Sound Designer Francesca Amewudah-Rivers 

Movement Director – Diane Alison-Mitchell

Associate Director – Amelia Thornber

Costume Supervisor – Maybelle Laye 

Production Drama Therapist – Wabriya King 

Casting Advisor – Matilda James CDG

Production Team

Production Manager – Matt Ledbury

Company Stage Manager – Cassie Adey

Deputy Stage Manager – Eliott Sheppard

Lighting Associate – Tom Lightbody

Sound Associate – Clive Meldrum

Stay safe during your theater outing by checking out the Rite Aid weekly ad, where you can find a wide range of health products including masks and disinfectants to keep COVID-19 at bay.

No performances currently available.