'Original: No Artificiality' intones in song Sahr Ngaujah as Fela Anikulapo Kuti, Nigerian multi-instrumentalist musician and human rights activist (1938-1997). Originality in everything was indeed what Kuti represented. He travelled the world and not only brought innovations to music with his Afrobeat, but also through exposure to American Black Powerattempted to fight European imperialism and 'change the world'. He unsuccessfully ran for President of Nigeria. In 1977 his mother Funmilayo (Melanie Marshall) was violently assassinated and his wives brutally attacked and raped by the Nigerian military. Despite rejection and humiliation, he never gave up fighting until his death in 1997.
In the 70's, Nigeria rose up and struck a new chord for justice with Afrobeat founder and political activist, Fela, as their controversial leader. The show, which opened last night at San Francisco's Curran Theatre, sways, plays and sings the political heart song of Nigeria through the life story of this musician turned activist, Fela Kuti. In its west coast premiere, the Tony-winning Broadway sensation packed a powerful opening night musical and political punch that was dynamic and experientially transformative. Everybody, please say "yeah yeah!"
I remember how shocked and surprised I was when the Shakespeare Theatre announced it would be presenting the Tony-nominated musical Fela! I was fortunate to see this unique and unforgettable evening of theater on Broadway.
SHN is thrilled to announce FELA! as the 7th and final show in SHN's upcoming 2011-2012 Season. FELA! , directed by Bill T. Jones, is a provocative hybrid of dance, theatre and music exploring the extravagant world of Afrobeat legend Fela Kuti. The show has become an international sensation having been performed in three continents. FELA! will play November 15 - December 11 at San Francisco's Curran Theatre (445 Geary Street) which operates under the direction of Carole Shorenstein Hays. Tickets for FELA! are currently available by subscribing to SHN's 2011-2012 Season. Individual tickets will go on sale in late September. Click here to see Carole Shorenstein Hays announce FELA!
The cast of Tony Award-winning musical FELA!, which is coming to London's Sadler's Wells from 20 July - 28 August, has been invited to perform at a reception formembers of Britain's West African-origin community at St James's Palace.
The National Theatre's production of FELA! has received an extraordinarily popular and critical reception. Stephen and Ruth Hendel are proud to announce that the first European engagement signed for the international tour is a return to London for a six-week run at the prestigious Sadler's Wells Theatre.
The cast of Tony Award-winning musical FELA!, which is coming to London's Sadler's Wells from 20 July - 28 August, has been invited to perform at a reception formembers of Britain's West African-origin community at St James's Palace.
Now gracing the cover of the latest Billboard Magazine, Beyonce reveals that her upcoming ablum, entitled 4, is largely inspired by the late Fela Kuti - subject of last season's Broadway hit Fela! produced by her husband Jay-Z. The album is set for release next month.
La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts is thrilled to announce the fourth production of National Theatre Live's second season - broadcast live from London's National Olivier Theatre, the musical sensation and Tony nominee for Best Musical, FELA!
The National Theatre's production of FELA! has received an extraordinarily popular and critical reception. Stephen and Ruth Hendel are proud to announce that the first European engagement signed for the international tour is a return to London for a six-week run at the prestigious Sadler's Wells Theatre.
La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts is thrilled to announce the fourth production of National Theatre Live's second season - broadcast live from London's National Olivier Theatre, the musical sensation and Tony nominee for Best Musical, FELA!
Fela!, recipient of three 2010 Tony® Awards including Best Choreography, will celebrate its One Year Anniversary on Broadway on Tuesday, November 23 @ 7pm at the Eugene O'Neill Theatre (230 West 49th Street) where it opened a year ago to rapturous reviews.
McCarter Theatre is pleased to announce that two-time Tony Award-winner Stephen Spinella will star in An Iliad, one of history's most famous and exciting tales of love, battle and honor.
McCarter Theatre is pleased to announce that two-time Tony Award-winner Stephen Spinella will star in An Iliad, one of history's most famous and exciting tales of love, battle and honor.
McCarter Theatre is pleased to announce that two-time Tony Award-winner Stephen Spinella will star in An Iliad, one of history's most famous and exciting tales of love, battle and honor.
McCarter Theatre is pleased to announce that two-time Tony Award-winner Stephen Spinella will star in An Iliad, one of history's most famous and exciting tales of love, battle and honor.
The cast and crew of the Tony Award-winning Broadway musical Fela!, based on the life and music of groundbreaking African composer, performer and activist Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, will be honored by New York City Council Members Jimmy Van Bramer and Julissa Ferreras on the Steps of City Hall on Thursday, July 29.
If you missed the online broadcast of the pre-televised 2010 Tony Awards ceremony, honoring the best in Creative Arts on Broadway in the 2009-2010 season, here is your chance to watch the award presentations! Courtesy of TonyAwards.com, BroadwayWorld is bringing you the presentations to all of the 2010 Creative Arts Tony Award winners and honorary Tony Award recipients Alan Ayckbourn, Marian Seldes, David Hyde Pierce and the Eugene O'Neill Theatre.
If you missed the online broadcast of the pre-televised 2010 Tony Awards ceremony, honoring the best in Creative Arts on Broadway in the 2009-2010 season, here is your chance to watch the award presentations! Courtesy of TonyAwards.com, BroadwayWorld is bringing you the presentations to all of the 2010 Creative Arts Tony Award winners and honorary Tony Award recipients Alan Ayckbourn, Marian Seldes, David Hyde Pierce and the Eugene O'Neill Theatre.
