A provocative and wholly unique hybrid of dance, theatre and music, FELA! explores the world of Afrobeat legend Fela Anikulapo-Kuti.
Winner of three 2010 Tony Awards including Best Choreography (Bill T. Jones)
Using his pioneering music (a blend of jazz, funk and African rhythm and harmonies), FELA! reveals Kuti’s controversial life as an artist and political activist.
Featuring many of Fela Kuti’s most captivating songs and Bill T. Jones’ visionary staging, FELA! – an original new creation – comes via Broadway to London and the National Theatre.
Press Quotes
“There should be dancing in the streets. There has never been anything like this.”Ben Brantley, New York Times
“An ecstatic phenomenon.”Time Out, New York
“Radiates joy.” Entertainment Weekly
“Top 10 Shows of 2009. It’s a work of total theatre and a party where the power of the people is unleashed with a contagious jiggle.” Los Angeles Times
Produced in association with Shawn ‘Jay-Z’ Carter, Will & Jada Pinkett Smith, Ruth & Stephen Hendel, Roy Gabay, Sony Pictures Entertainment, Edward Tyler Nahem, Slava Smolokowski, Chip Meyrelles/Ken Greiner, Douglas G. Smith, Steve Semlitz/Cathy Glazer, Daryl Roth/True Love Productions, Susan Dietz/Mort Swinsky, Knitting Factory Entertainment and with Ahmir ‘Questlove’ Thompson.
Cast includes
Lydie Alberto
Sherinne Kayra Anderson
Jonathan Andre
Rolan Bell
Cindy Belliot
Nandi Bhebhe
Kwame Peter Crentsil
Catia Moto da Cruz
Jacqui Dubois
Scarlette Douglas
Poundo Gomis
Paulette Ivory
Aisha Jawando
Wanjiru Kamuyu
Nyron Levy
Melanie Marshall
Shelley-Ann Maxwell
Sahr Ngaujah
Pamela Okoroafor
Tamara McKoy Patterson
Thierry Picaut
Jermaine Rowe
Ira Mandela Siobhan
Craig Stein
Ricardo Coke Thomas
Jazmine Jarret Thorpe
Production credits
Book Jim Lewis and Bill T Jones
Music and lyrics Fela Anikulapo-Kuti
Additional lyrics Jim Lewis
Additional music Aaron Johnson and Jordan McLean
Based on the life of Fela Anikulapo-Kuti
Conceived by Bill T. Jones, Jim Lewis and Stephen Hendel
Director and Choreographer Bill T. Jones
Designer Marina Draghici
Lighting Designer Robert Wierzel
Sound Designer Robert Kaplowitz
Projection Designer Peter Nigrini
Wig, Hair & Make-up Designer Cookie Jordan
Associate Director Niegel Smith
Associate Choreographer Maija Garcia