Have you heard the true story of Henrietta Lacks, an African American woman who died in 1951 from cervical cancer? Henrietta's cells continued to live long after her death, playing a crucial role in medical research, including studies related to COVID-19, to this day. Doctors and researchers took significant measures to hide the fact that these immortal cells belonged to a Black woman. Additionally, Henrietta’s family was not aware, until the early 1970s, that her cells were still living and being used to help find cures for diseases—and even flown to space. Pharmaceutical companies were making billions of pounds from Henrietta's cells, a fact that was also hidden from the family for decades.

In 2023, I attended a play based on Henrietta's story. I was so moved that I was left literally speechless and returned to see it again just two days later. It was a privilege when the writer of the play agreed to join me on my podcast. I am delighted to share the link to my next episode, where I engage in conversation with Professor Mojisola Adebayo, a distinguished playwright, performer, director, and lecturer. We discuss the transformative power of the Theatre of the Oppressed, exploring its profound connection to mental health awareness. Mojisola shares her insights as a playwright, highlighting how her work advocates for marginalised voices within the theatrical landscape: https://youtu.be/lkHJ1Lh9b9w

Illustration: Kadir Nelson

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