Crescent Cell, Sickle Moon

An exploration of care for people in sickle cell crises — imagined in a parallel universe.

An exploration of care for people in sickle cell crises — imagined in a parallel universe.

Written by Mojisola Adebayo. Directed by Gail Babb
Produced by the Sickle Cell Theatre Collective, in association with Tamasha

—

Bro sits on a metal hospital chair, in a windowless A&E. It feels as though a thousand tiny hammers are banging inside his bones.

Above, Sis pilots the Starship Wellness. She's on a rescue mission but she can't find her brother, can't see him anywhere.

—

Crescent Cell, Sickle Moon is a powerful and imaginative invitation to healthcare professionals, people living with sickle cell, and the wider public to reflect on what compassionate, effective hospital care could look like for people experiencing sickle cell crises.

Drawing on research from the Exploring Practices of Care (EPOC4) study and co-created with people living with sickle cell, a haematologist, and theatre makers, the play explores urgent questions about pain, trust, and care in our health systems.

Generously supported by funding from Arts Council England, the Wellcome Trust, Queen Mary University of London, the Curriers Millenium Healthcare Bursary and HaemSTAR.

—

Content warning: References to racism, sickle cell crises, and challenging hospital experiences.

Recommended age: 14+