★★★★★
"Outspoken and magical … informs us with its history and move us with its personal stories.”British Theatre Guide
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 (STARS (2023), Alfred Fagon Award winner for FAMILY TREE) and Olivier Award winning 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
Join us following the Thu 4 May performance for a post-show discussion, chaired by Associate Director Amelia Thornber, and featuring members of the cast.
View the Digital Programme & Audience Aftercare Pack.
Cast
Mofetoluwa Akande
Ain, Anarcha, Oshun (multi-rolling parts)
Aminita Francis
Henrietta Lacks
Alistair Hall
Smoking Man
Keziah Joseph
Bibi and Betsy (multi-rolling parts)
Aimée Powell
Lyn and Lucy (multi-rolling parts)
Company
Playwright Mojisola Adebayo
Director Matthew Xia
Set & Costume Designer Simon Kenny
Lighting Designer Simisola Majekodunmi
Composer & Sound Designer Francesca Amewudah-Rivers
Movement Director Diane Alison-Mitchell
Associate Director Amelia Thornber
Costume Supervisor Maybelle Laye
Production Dramatherapist Wabriya King
Tour Casting Advisor Matilda James CDG
Original Casting Advisor Sophie Parrott CDG
Producers Actors Touring Company and Belgrade Theatre Coventry, in association with Brixton House
Production Manager Matt Ledbury
Company Stage Manager Cassie Adey
Deputy Stage Manager Eliott Sheppard
Lighting Associate Tom Lightbody
Sound Associate Clive Meldrum
