Family Tree at Belgrade Theatre, Coventry

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

5 rating    

“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.”

- TO DO LIST

5 rating    

“Outspoken and magical … informs us with its history and move us with its personal stories.”

- BRITISH THEATRE GUIDE

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.

Directed by Matthew Xia
Designed by Simon Kenny
Lighting Design by Simisola Majekodumni
Music by Fran Rivers
Movement by Vicki Igbokwe

Commissioned by Actors Touring Company and Young Vic, with development supported by Greenwich & Docklands International Festival