Alfred Enoch to Star in “Tree” at Manchester International Festival

Visitors to the Manchester International Festival in July have the chance to see Alfred Enoch (Dean Thomas) in a new play, Tree, created by actor Idris Elba and artistic director of the Young Vic Theatre Kwame Kwei-Armah.

Billed as an “electrifying new blend of drama, music, and dance,” Enoch will take to the stage as Kaleo, a young man visiting his parents’ home of South Africa for the first time:

It’s just 12 hours from London to his parents’ homeland, but to Kaleo (Alfred Enoch), South Africa is another world. A family tragedy finally forces him to visit for the first time – and as he takes his journey of healing, Kaleo must confront hidden histories and right the wrongs of the past. But first he must face the present: a shattered family, fighting to hold on to what they believe is theirs, in a nation haunted by the ghosts of its own turbulent past.

Tree promises to put the audience at the center of the story as they stand and experience the dynamic performance happening around them. The play focuses on themes of identity and belonging and has been inspired by Elba’s role in the movie Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom and will also feature music inspired by his album Mi Mandela.

Tree will be performed at the Upper Campfield Market Hall in Manchester from June 29 to July 13. Tickets for the performance cost £35 and can be purchased from the Manchester International Festival website.

The production will then transfer to the Young Vic in London for performances from July 29 to August 24. To find out more about the London run, plus ticket information, visit the Young Vic website.