Theatre Review: Family Tree, Tobacco Factory Theatres
SUMMARY
Rating: ★★★★
Running Dates: 13th - 17th June 2023
Where to see it: Tobacco Factory Theatres, Bristol
Duration: 95 minutes
Keywords: Drama, Poetic, Emotional
Family Tree is a play about the legacy of Henrietta Lacks, it explores many themes, from racism, the environment and science. Henrietta is one of the most important people in science yet the majority of the population have not heard of her. This play aims to change this, by powerfully sharing her story, and weaving in further stories of black women whose bodies have changed the world.
In 1951 Henrietta Lacks had an aggressive form of cervical cancer, and died the same year. Cells from her tumour were taken for research. Scientists discovered that hers were the first human cell line to survive and multiply indefinitely in a laboratory setting. The cells were named ‘HeLa cells’ and were distributed all over the world, for testing and have been used extensively in research. For example, development of the polio vaccine, HPV vaccine, and more recently research into Covid. HeLa cells. Every person on the planet has been affected by Henrietta, and this play is trying to raise awareness of this incredible story.
The lack of consent from Henrietta is one of the most powerful take-aways from the show. She was not aware or asked if her cells could be used for research. In a speech to the audience, Hernietta (played by Aminita Francis) suggests that DNA stands for ‘Did Not Ask’. The Lacks family were not aware of their relation to HeLa cells until 1975.
Further tales of the mistreatment of black bodies and labour issues are explored. We are introduced to three nurses from modern times working in the NHS (Mofetoluwa Akande, Keziah Joseph, Aimee Powell). They are massively overworked due to the Covid-19 pandemic and mention how their white colleagues get promotions and credit whereas they are left exhausted and working through lunch breaks. The same three actresses later appear as African-American women slaves. Their bodies were used in experimental surgeries without consent or pain relief. This movement through time periods starkly shows how we are still living in a world with systemic racism, with mentions of Stephen Lawerence and George Floyd highlighting how recent and common these events are.
The different time periods were weaved beautifully together, with Henrietta viewing these scenes together with the audience. One of my favourite aspects was that towards the end of the play the nurses returned to the stage, but with some pieces of clothing from the other characters, notably the old-fashioned, long skirts. This really merged the stories and pulled everything together.
The acting was incredible from all 5 actors. The ‘smoking man’ character was mainly seen creepily walking at the back of the stage, or watching from the sidelines. He did not have any lines, which really added an unsettling feeling.
One aspect of the stage design that I enjoyed was the tree. This looked like a DNA double helix structure, which tied into science, and also the name of the play. At one point the tree is talking to Henrietta, explaining the role it plays on earth, and that like Henrietta, trees and on a wider level, nature, never gets thanks. They both have and will continue to contribute so much to the life of humans - Henrietta from the contribution to medical research, and trees for allowing us to breathe. There is a moving connection between them, and this unfolds an awareness of how everything is connected, nature to the earth, earth to humans, and humans to each other. This ties in to climate change, racism and political angles which are very present throughout the show.
The show was hard-hitting, with the characters showing their rage as well as sadness. There were lighter moments, with dancing, and many shout-outs to Beyonce. A highlight was Henrietta dancing Charleston-style to WAP by Cardi B. There was an appearance from Oshun, the goddess of Love and Beauty (played by Mofetoluwa Akande). With the help of the other characters, Henrietta is made a goddess herself - a goddess of cells. This led to a lovely, upbeat, joyous ending where all 4 women danced together. Henrietta was given the recognition and celebration she deserves, yet has rarely received.
I got the feeling that the whole audience was very connected to Henrietta from learning her story and experiencing her thoughts and emotions. I am sure every attendee will now be telling friends and family about her importance, as I know I will.
Overall, I would highly recommend you to go see this play. It is very moving and thought-provoking, with a heart-warming ending.
Standout Moment: The final scene where Henrietta is turned into a goddess. She is changed out of her iconic purple suit, and into a beautiful flowing dress with gold jewellery.
See if: You want to learn about the most influential women in science!
Last Impression: Thank you Henrietta Lacks!
Written by Emma Goodyear