Fela! FAQs
Q. What is FELA! about?
FELA! is a new musical that is directed and choreographed by Tony Award winner Bill T. Jones with a book by Jim Lewis, in which audiences are welcomed into the extravagant, decadent and rebellious world of Afrobeat legend Fela Kuti. Using his pioneering music (a blend of jazz, funk and African rhythm and harmonies), Fela! explores Kuti's controversial life as artist, political activist and revolutionary musician. Featuring many of Fela Kuti's most captivating songs and Bill T. Jones's imaginative staging, this new show is a provocative hybrid of concert, dance and musical theater.
Q. Is it playing now?
Fela!, which opened to rave reviews on September 4, began previews on July 29 and was originally slated to run through September 21. It was then extended through October 5, 2008.
Q. Who wrote FELA!?
FELA! was written by Jim Lewis & Bill T. Jones; the music and lyrics are by by Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, with additional lyrics by Jim Lewis. It was conceived by Bill T. Jones, Jim Lewis & Steve Hendel and it is directed and choreographed by Bill T. Jones
Q. If I’m not familiar with the work of Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, will I like FELA!?
Fela Anikulapo-Kuti was a Nigerian multi-instrumentalist musician and composer, a pioneer of Afrobeat music, a human rights activist, and a political maverick. He is ranked among the world’s most influential musicians. If you like soul-stirring rhythms, compelling real-life stories and passionate choreography, you will love FELA! Click here to read the Wikipedia article.
Q. Who is Bill T. Jones?
BILL T. JONES (Conceiver / Director / Choreographer / Book Writer) is the recipient of a 2007 Tony® Award, 2007 Obie Award, and 2006 Stage Directors and Choreographers Foundation CALLAWAY Award for his choreography for Spring Awakening; the 2007 USA Eileen Harris Norton Fellowship; the 2006 Lucille Lortel Award for Outstanding Choreography for The Seven; the 2005 Wexner Prize; the 2005 Samuel H. Scripps American Dance Festival Award for Lifetime Achievement; the Harlem Renaissance Award; the 2003 Dorothy and Lillian Gish Prize; and the 1994 MacArthur “Genius” Award. In 2000, The Dance Heritage Coalition named Mr. Jones “An Irreplaceable Dance Treasure.” Mr. Jones choreographed and performed worldwide with his late partner, Arnie Zane, before forming the Bill T. Jones/Arnie Zane Dance Company in 1982, which is currently celebrating its 25th Anniversary. He has created more than 100 works for his company. For more information about Bill T. Jones click here.
Q: What is Antibalas?
ANTIBALAS (Arrangements / Musicians) Credited with introducing Afrobeat to a new generation, this Brooklyn-based collective has released four critically-acclaimed albums since forming in 1998, and can been heard on numerous Afrobeat compilations. Antibalas has performed more than 700 concerts around the world including appearances at the Coachella, Newport and the Montreux Festivals. For more information about Antibalas click here.
Q: How long is FELA!?
FELA! is 2 hours and 40 minutes long; there is one 15-minute intermission
Q: Is there anything else I should know about the Fela! experience?
Please be advised that Fela! has loud sound effects, smoke and haze effects and strobe effects.
Q. Is there a coat check?
No.
Q: Can I take photographs of the show?
Absolutely NO recording devices are allowed in the theatre, including still cameras.
Q: Is FELA! appropriate for children?
FELA! is recommended for those 10 years of age or older. There is strong language in the show. Children under the age of 4 are not permitted in the theatre. Regardless, all patrons entering the theatre must have a ticket.
Q. Who is producing FELA!?
FELA! is being produced by Hendel Productions
Q. How can I contact someone at FELA!?
By email at fela.kuti123@gmail.com