Theatre / Reviews

Review: Family Tree, Tobacco Factory Theatres – ‘Paints a picture of Black women whose cells, blood and waters have birthed, raised and changed the world’

By Bryan J Mason  Wednesday Jun 14, 2023

Who has heard of Henrietta Lacks? Unless you are familiar with the earlier play Hela, by Adura Onashile you would almost certainly not have, but her name and formidable legacy are given new prominence with Mojisola Adebayo’s Family Tree.

Although she is hardly known, anyone since the 1950s who has ever taken medication or had a vaccination, a treatment for cancer, IVF, HIV or pretty much anything else has benefited from trials involving Henrietta’s pancreatic cancer cells. Although she died aged only 31, her cells live on, and in fact are still multiplying.

The tragedy is that not only was Lacks unaware that her body was to be used in this way but that her family never benefitted financially while others did. Ostensibly Family Tree is about recognising Lacks, but it is much more than that. So much more. In fact, so much ground is covered in 95 minutes that it is, at times, overwhelming.

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Aminita Francis as Henrietta Lacks photo: Helen Murray

Lacks is played with a charm and understated pique by Aminita Francis who not only spits out poetic wisdom in the prologue, but adopts a cheery Maryland primness when describing the anguish she suffers from beyond the grave.

Mofetoluwa Akande, Keziah Joseph and Aimée Powell add spirited support as NHS nurses during the Covid pandemic, as well as slaves on a plantation who were subjected to barbaric gynaecological experiments by Dr James Sims.

Keziah Joseph as Betsey – photo: Helen Murray

There is a great deal to confront audiences, from references to infamous acts of violence against Black people – from slavery to Stephen Lawrence and George Floyd – to caustic comments about white ‘allies’ and a group who are called the ‘Whys’.

There is something of a disconnect within the play, in that at the end, I was left wondering what overarching message to take away. But unquestionably, racism and its impact on society is at its heart, underpinning every speech and scene.

Aminita Francis as Henrietta Lacks – photo: Helen Murray

Director Matthew Xia changes pace nicely as the play intersperses the more provocative scenes with those featuring Lacks observing her family and marvelling at what has happened to her unrecognised gift to the world.

There are still some strange moments along the way which don’t always help the drama unfold, not least Simon Kenny’s set resembling a cross between an old Doctor Who backdrop and a petrified forest. There may have been nods towards the DNA helix and an African heritage in there, but it causes some confusion.

Aimee Powell as Lyn – photo: Helen Murray

The ‘Smoking Man’ character seemed at times absurd. Was the non-verbal slightly threatening Stetson-wearing Marlboro Man meant to represent white supremacy, or cancer, or something else?

However, there is plenty of humour here as well, and the cast convince in each role, feeding on the developing audience reaction.

Aminita Francis as Henrietta Lacks – photo: Helen Murray

While the scope of the play is perhaps over-expansive at times, the intention to shock, amuse and unsettle an audience is extremely successful.

Ultimately, Family Tree paints a picture of Black women whose cells, blood and waters have birthed, raised and changed the world.

Cast member Aminita Francis, who plays Henrietta Lacks in Actors Touring Company’s play, Family Tree, stands next to the statue of her namesake, designed by Helen Wilson-Roe, at Bristol University – photo: Edward J Felton

Family Tree is at Tobacco Factory Theatres from June 13-17 at 7.30pm. Tickets are available at www.tobaccofactorytheatres.com.

All photos: Helen Murray

Read more: Review: Revealed, Tobacco Factory Theatres – ‘A vital, searing achievement that grips you tight and never lets go’

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