★★★★★ “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
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 the 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).
★★★★★ “Outspoken and magical … informs us with its history and move us with its personal stories.” – British Theatre Guide
CAST
Henrietta Lacks: Aminita Francis
Ain/Anarcha/Oshun: Mofetoluwa Akande
Bibi/Betsey: Keziah Joseph
Lyn/Lucy: Aimée Powell
Smoking Man: Alistair Hall
CREATIVE TEAM
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
PRODUCTION TEAM
Production Manager: Matt Ledbury
Company Stage Manager: James Boyer Smith
Deputy Stage Manager: Eliott Sheppard
Lighting Associate: Tom Lightbody
Sound Associate: Clive Meldrum
Family Tree was commissioned by ATC and Young Vic Theatre, and produced as a work-in-development by ATC and Greenwich and Docklands International Festival in August 2021
Following the performance on Tuesday 13 June, a meaningful discussion will take place, centred around the key themes explored in the show. Esteemed members of the local black community, as well as the cast, will be present and actively engaged in the conversation. Panelists include Helen Wilson-Roe, Cleo Lake and Lawrence Hoo.
- RUNNING TIME95 mins
- AGE RECOMMENDATION14+
- TICKETS£16 / £20
- VENUEFactory Theatre
Content warning: This play deals with non-consensual medical experiments on Black women and children and discusses cancer. It contains strong language.
7:30pm & 12pm matinee
Standard from £16 / Concession from £12 (Tickets and prices subject to availability)
Read about concession tickets
Tue 13 June Post show discussion and Q+A
BSL INTERPRETED PERFORMANCES
Sat 17 June 7:30pm
Members on sale 12:30pm on Thursday 12 January 2023
General on sale 12:30pm on Monday 16 January 2023
