Although technically you might have to classify it as such, to bill ‘HeLa’ as
“half lecture, half theatre” seems an injustice to this poignant,
thought-provoking, enlightening venture from Adura Onashile and Oxide. ‘HeLa’
is an exploration into the depths of cancer cell research from the early 1950s,
focusing on cell samples taken from 31 year old Henrietta Lacks in 1951; cells
which continue to change and influence scientific research to this day. The
performance uncovers the woman behind the cells and serves as a gut-wrenching
reminder of hideous days of racial segregation, “whites only water fountains”
and “’black’ waiting rooms”. The piece raises important ethical issues surrounding
medical research and uncovers atrocities that have historically been swept
under the carpet. An informative and relevant piece, if a law was passed to
make this essential viewing, I'd be having strong words with anyone who made a fuss. 5/5
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