Michelle Asante stars in Family Tree by Mojisola Adebayo. The work in development piece, which promises to be one of the highlights of Greenwich+Docklands International Festival (GDIF), will be staged over seven outdoor performances at Charlton House and Gardens from August 27 to 30.
It is presented by ATC, FESTIVAL.ORG and Young Vic from a co-commission by ATC and Young Vic as part of a development process for a full theatre run in 2022. More information can be found here.
The cast comprises Michelle Asante (Our Lady of Kibeho – Theatre Royal Stratford East, Eclipsed – The Gate Theatre), Natasha Cottriall (Future Conditional – The Old Vic, Into the Woods – Royal Exchange, Manchester), Keziah Joseph (The Language of Kindness – UK Tour, The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe – Bridge Theatre) and Diana Yekinni (Three Sisters – National Theatre, I’ll Take You to Mrs Cole – Complicité).
You’re starring in Mojisola Adebayo’s Family Tree, what can you tell us about the play?
This a very unique piece that take the audience on a journey of discovery. It’s timely piece that takes as its inspiration the story of Henrietta Lacks, an African American woman, whose cells were harvested and cultivated without her consent after her death from cervical cancer in the 1950s.
These cells have been vital to studying disease and have even contributed to the development of the COVID-19 vaccines. Using the Lacks story as a springboard, the work is a powerful exploration around the themes of ethics in healthcare, racism, the environment and a woman’s right to autonomy over her own body.
What first went through your mind when you read Family Tree?
The first time I read it I was completely blown away. Mojisola created a piece with so much dexterity, texture, depth, humour and truth. I thought what a beautiful way to tell these stories and give voice to the those who in their time could not speak up for themselves.
You’re playing Henrietta Lacks, how did you go about researching the role?
The book The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks was the key source of information. There are also videos online of interviews with her descendants.
Why do you think this play is so important for society today?
I think when events in history are deliberately ‘unremembered’ you will inevitably have a big problem with communication and understanding where a people are coming from and the motivations for their choices and decisions.
This play talks about many of the global events that have been occurred and been discussed over the past 18 months so there is no one who will watch it and feel like it doesn’t relate to them or they don’t know what it’s talking about.
What would you say to anyone thinking of coming to see Family Tree?
Come and enjoy. It will be an experience that will excite all your senses and you will leave enlightened.
Michelle Asante can be seen in Family Tree at Greenwich + Dockland Festival
