Beneath The Family Tree |
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Emmanuel Akwafo |
Emma Bakare |
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About
Whispers. Secrets. Shadows. Something dark stirs this summer in one of the most haunting, head-turning new plays to hit the London stage. In a theatrical event that has insiders buzzing and tickets flying, Beneath the Family Tree makes its explosive debut at Riverside Studios for one week only, and trust us, you don’t want to be the last to know what’s lurking inside this house.
It starts with a death anniversary. It ends with a question: Grief has a smell.....Memory has a weight.....And some secrets should’ve stayed buried.
Set inside a family home that seems to breathe with its dark intent, Beneath the Family Tree spirals from taut family drama into something truly sinister. When Kwame, Esther, and Ama return to their childhood home to honour the anniversary of their mother’s passing, grief quickly curdles into suspicion. The walls whisper. The past doesn’t line up, and unspoken traumas claw their way into the light.
A heavy fusion of Jordan Peele’s social horror and British psychological realism, this debut production is already being whispered about as the most unexpected theatrical event of the summer.
It’s not just a play. It’s a reckoning, and it's happening for seven shows only.
Will you dare to look beneath the roots?
Trigger Warning
This show contains material that may be traumatizing to some audience members.
Cast
Creative Team
Emmanuel Akwafo
Emma Bakare
Prime Isaac
Rosemarie Akwafo
Jahmiko Marshall
Xana
Theophilus O. Bailey
Marcus Collick
Valentina Turtur
Meet the Company
Christie Fewry
Christie Fewry is a recent graduate from Rose Bruford College in BA Acting. She’s an actor and filmmaker who made her stage debut in 2024 on the world premiere of The Great Privation: How to Flip Ten Cents Into a Dollar at Theatre503. Her debut short film, Amina, was selected for nine festivals, including the BAFTA and BIFA qualifying Manchester Film Festival and received an Honourable Mention at the New Renaissance Film Festival.
Christie appears in the festival recognised feature film White Guilt (2024) and the short Benchwarmers (2024). In addition to her work on stage and screen, she explores themes of identity and spirituality through poetry, with her writing published in Breadfruit Magazine as part of its Black British Writers Feature Project.
Paul Chinkwende
Paul Chinkwende is an actor working across theatre and film. His stage credits include The 10 at Theatro Technis with Maktub Arts (as Josh Camara), directed by Wale Show; Prison Plaits at the Tower Theatre (as Myles), written by Shamila Sulaiman and directed by Aaliyah McKay; and the ALT Showcase at Brixton House, directed by Toby Clarke. Paul trained at Kingdom Drama School in 2022 and then with Maktub Arts Theatre Company. He continues to develop his craft across both screen and stage.
Esther Armah
Esther Armah, also known as Queen E, is a British-Ghanaian actress and an emerging storyteller with a growing online audience. Having recently completed her BA studies in Theatre and Performance and being a National Youth Theatre Member, she merges academic insight with lived creativity.
Best known for her engaging family-based comedy sketches; Keeping Up with The Krimpongs, Esther blends humour and heartfelt storytelling to explore themes of identity, belonging, faith, culture and connection.
Her work is driven by a desire to tell stories that reflect lived experiences, celebrate and to tell the stories of underrepresented voices through performance. With credits in productions such as Residue, The Last of the Pelican Daughters, God of Carnage, her creative focus continues to expand across both stage and screen. ‘
Emmanuel Akwafo
Emmanuel Akwafo is a multifaceted British-Ghanaian writer, producer, and performer whose work champions bold, emotionally resonant storytelling through a sharp, culturally rich lens. Whether on stage or behind the scenes, Emmanuel's creative voice is defined by its depth, daring, and dedication to centering underrepresented narratives.
He's set to appear in A Midsummer Night's Dream at the iconic Bridge Theatre, Emmanuel is drawn to magnetic and memorable roles. But recently he's passion for producing has grown 'No Name Creatives' the powerhouse collective he co-founded with director Nathanael Campbell who is making a name for himself. Together, they're shaking up the industry with fearless new storytelling and a commitment to carving space for fresh, necessary voices.
As a producer, Emmanuel has already made waves with a string of standout projects, including Oneness at Southwark Playhouse and the raw, provocative Monkey Face at Pen Theatre. He's also gearing up for The Blackprint Concert at Phoenix Arts Club, a vibrant celebration of Black British artistry co-produced with Marcus Collick.
From page to stage, Emmanuel's work is driven by purpose, powered by community, and rooted in a vision for a more expansive, inclusive creative landscape
Emma Bakare
Emma Bakare is a British-Ghanaian actress and writer whose work spans screen, stage, and page. A University of Reading graduate with a BA (Hons) in Film and Theatre, Emma first gained attention under her former name, Emma Akwafo, when her bold reimagining of the Yellow Wall- Paper went viral for its visceral portrayal of mental health and womanhood.
Since then, she has carved out a distinctive presence both in theatre and television. Emma has appeared in acclaimed series such as Grime Kids, 'Boiling Point' and 'Things You should Have Done.'
She is also set to appear in the film 'Faith In The Family: The Spirit of Christmas' which will be released later this year.
Her theatre work is equally powerful. Emma starred as Carol in Knife On The Table at the Cockpit Theatre and did a one woman show 'Child Birth 19' as a digital theatre piece.
A compelling performer and storyteller, Emma continues to develop original work.
Prime Isaac
Prime Isaac is a bold visionary theatre director hailing from west London, with over six years of dynamic experience shaping the UK theatre scene.
From Director to Associate, from the rehearsal room to community workshops, Prime has worn many hats each one rooted in deep love for storytelling that moves, provokes and uplifts.
Their journey has taken them to stages across the country, from the iconic Old Vic, to the heart of Hull Truck, from the electric energy of Leeds Playhouse to the vibrant Watford Palace and far beyond. Wherever they go, Prime brings a fierce commitment to representation, crafting space for voices too often unheard.
As a proud member of the Headlong Board, Prime is not just shaping stories onstage, they're helping shape the future of British Theatre.
With every project, they champion narratives that are rich, resonant, and unapologetically authentic.
Rosemarie Akwafo
Rosemarie Akwafo is a dynamic British-Ghanaian actress from South East London and a graduate from Rose Bruford College.
She recently played Lucy Grove in the UK tour of Peter Pan Goes Wrong. She also played Nona in Shakespeare's Globe Olivier Nominated production Rough Magic.
Rosemarie was inspired to pursue the craft by her older siblings, Emma and Emmanuel, both working actors. She grew up immersed in their creative journeys, often offering feedback and insight that sharpened their performances long before stepping into the spotlight herself. Now stepping into the role of dramaturg for the first time, Rosemarie brings a keen editorial eye and deep appreciation for the craft. Her years of behind-the-scenes support have shaped her into a quiet force within her family’s creative circle a source of refinement, energy, and vision.
Jahmiko Marshall
Jahmiko
Originally from Bermuda, Jahmiko earned his Lighting Technology Certificate at the Stagecraft Institute of Las Vegas and is currently completing a BA (Hons) in Production
Recent Highlights
• Lighting & Sound Designer for ...blackbird hour at Bush
Theatre (Jan-Mar 2025)
• Lighting Designer for AGAINST and The Welkin at LAMDA
• Assistant Lighting Designer on Boy (LAMDA)
• Sound Designer for Parliament Square, Desert Boy, The Light (LAMDA)
• Chief LX for Spalding Suite & Love & Information, Programmer on Junkyard (all LAMDA)
• Assistant Sound Designer on For Black Boys Who Have Considered Suicide When the Hue Gets Too Heavy (New Diorama, Royal Court, and West End transfer at Apollo Theatre in 2023)
• Lighting Designer for is Dat You Yh at Brixton House & Edinburgh Fringe
Xana
XANA is a freestyle live-loop musician, composer, spatial sound artist, and haptic specialist sound designer. They create accessible audio systems for live art spaces and serve as the Music Science & Tech Lead at Inventing Waves, mentoring artists and audio inventors.
& Recent Highlights
• 2023 Black British Theatre Awards - Best Sound Design
• Dead Girls Rising (Silent Uproar, UK Tour)
• Shifters (West End), Sleepova & The P Word (Olivier Award winners, Bush Theatre)
• The Architect (ATC / GDIF), Beautiful Thing (Stratford East)
• The Trials, Marys Seacole (Donmar), Fairview, The Collaboration (Young Vic)
• Anna Karenina (Edinburgh Lyceum / Bristol Old Vic)
• is Dat You Yh, Everything | Own (Brixton House)
• Burgerz, as british as a watermelon, King Troll, SEX SEX MEN MEN, Main Character Energy - and many more.
Whether designing immersive sonic worlds or pushing the boundaries of accessibility in theatre, XANA continues to redefine what sound can do in storytelling.
Theophilus O. Bailey
Based in London, Theo is a multidisciplinary artist who fuses hip-hop and contemporary dance to explore mental health, identity, and social equity. A senior member of Boy Blue and a Got to Dance finalist, he's worked with Kenrick Sandy, Ivan Blackstock, Russell Maliphant, and more.
M Theatre & Movement credits:
• Movement Director on For Black Boys Who Have Considered Suicide When the Hue Gets Too Heavy at the Royal Court and West End nominated and spotlighted for its electrifying physical storytelling.
• Movement Director on Blue Mist at Royal Court, Speed at Bush Theatre praised for "impressive and aggressive movements" that define the show's raw intensity.
Performance & Screen Work:
• Principal dancer in Channing Tatum's Magic Mike Live in London.
• Featured in Steven Soderbergh's Magic Mike's Last Dance and BSL Zone's Here/Not Here.
• Awards & Recognition:
• Assistant dance captain for the 2012 Olympic Opening Ceremony
• Olivier Award-nominated Blak Whyte Gray
• Black British Theatre Awards nominee for movement direction.
Theo's fusion of athleticism, emotion, and cultural narrative shapes the heartbeat of every piece. We can't wait to feel the movement he brings.
Marcus Collick
Marcus recently earned his Master's in Theatre Arts, adding to his strong foundation in performance and production. His versatility makes him an invaluable asset to any team.
Stage Management Credits Include:
• Murder on the Orient Express - Olathe Civic Association
• Tick, Tick... Boom! - Music Theatre Kansas City
• Limp Wrist and the Iron Fist - Brixton House
• Currently collaborating with Emmanuel Akwafo on the new concert event The Black Print d
Selected Acting Credits Include:
• The Playground - Savoy Theatre
• Zanna don't a fairytale musical - Old joint Stock Theatre
• Spring Awakening (Georg/Swing) - Phoenix Arts Club
• Heathers: The Musical (Ram's Dad / Big Bud Dean / Preppy
Stud) - Music Studio of warrensburg
• Damn Yankees (Rocky) - Regional Theatre of the Palouse
• White Christmas (Ensemble) - Music Theatre Kansas City
Marcus blends creativity, discipline, and a clear love for the craft. We're lucky to have his leadership and heart at the center of our production!
Valentina Turtur
Valentina Turtur
Trained in Scenography at the Rome Academy of Fine Arts, she relocated to London in 2014 and has since built an impressive catalogue of theatre and screen design credits .
Recent & Notable Credits
• Set & Costume Design for Yaga with Little Lion
Theatre Company at Drayton Arms
• Set & Costume for What You Will (Twelfth Night) at
Tea House Theatre
Set Design: Shuga Fixx vs the Illuminati (Guttersnipe
Theatre), UK tours of Baby Bear, Little Star, The Land of Nod, Jack Frost, and more with Moon on a Stick Productions
Touring versions of Uncle Vanya, A Doll's House, Metamorphosis with Theatrical Niche, and Treasure Island (Offie Award-winning Iris Theatre)
She's also contributed her creative talents to screen feature films, shorts, commercials, and TV winning the Depth of Field International Film Festival's Excellence in Set Design in 2016.
Valentina's work is all about thoughtful storytelling through space. We're honoured to have her crafting the world our play lives in.
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The Akwafo Family
Beneath the Family Tree: The Akwafo Siblings Take Centre Stage
The Akwafo family has long been a creative force behind the scenes now, they’re stepping into the spotlight together. Siblings Emma Bakare, Rosemarie Akwafo, and Emmanuel Akwafo, all seasoned actors with credits spanning the West End stage, television, and film, have united to debut a powerful new theatre production: Beneath the Family Tree.
With years of experience in front of the camera and under the lights, their individual careers have seen them appear in acclaimed productions across the UK. From gripping dramas on screen to commanding performances on some of London’s most iconic stages, the siblings bring a wealth of talent and depth to every role they play.
Behind the scenes, the Akwafo family has always been rooted in creativity. From early days producing music videos and church plays to launching their own media company originally known as Urban Smash TV and now rebranded as The Rise they’ve long been crafting stories with heart and purpose.
Beneath the Family Tree marks a significant milestone: their first collective step into original theatre. Rich with themes of heritage, identity, and family legacy, this play is not only a debut it’s a homecoming. With this project, the Akwafo siblings invite audiences to witness the magic that happens when passion, purpose, and kinship converge on stage.
