'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 ('Blue/Orange,' 'The Wiz') with a cast that includes Michelle Asante as Henrietta.
For ages 14+.
There are some trigger warnings: strong language, discussion of medical procedures, racism (no racist slurs are used).
'Family Tree' by Mojisola Adebayo.
Presented by Actors Touring Company and Belgrade Theatre Coventry, in association with Brixton House Theatre.
'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.