FELA! Tickets

The National Theatre is well known for taking on some challenging shows and at the end of 2010 it will be welcoming a show that has already turned many heads on Broadway for its compelling portrayal of a man whose life and career were defined by originality and activism. Its creative efforts that it originally showcased at the Eugene O’Neill Theatre in New York would eventually earn it a Tony Award nomination and remind audiences that the man at the centre of it all, Fela Kuti, is still as highly regarded today as he was during his lifetime.

FELA! will be appearing on the Olivier stage from November 2010 and, just like its Broadway equivalent, will feature Sahr Ngaujah in the title role and supporting performances from the likes of Kevin Mambo. In addition to these names, the show can also boast some high profile producing talents in the forms of Jay-Z, Will Smith and, his wife, Jada Pinkett Smith, plus a book by Jim Lewis and Paul T Jones. And let’s not forget the songs of the legendary afrobeat artist Fela Anikulapo-Kuti.

During Fela’s life he made a name for himself as a musical pioneer and as a political activist, combining both of these attributes to significant effect. Not only would he revolutionise music with afrobeat (a mixture of jazz, funk and African rhythms), but he would also cause contention in the minds of the Nigerian government and the soldiers of whom he was highly critical. It would lead to controversial albums like “Zombie”, which would cause violence (and the death of his mother) and shows in various locations that would result in riots. Meanwhile, he also led a life of extravagance and was known for having multiple wives at the same time.

So with such a complex figure, the role needed safe hands to bring it to fruition in “FELA!” and with Sahr Ngaujah they have clearly found them and the Tony Award-nomination is a testament to this. The actor has appeared in a long line of television and movie roles, whilst his involvement in the world of theatre (as a director as well as actor) goes back many years.

FELA! will be making its appearance at the Olivier National Theatre from Tuesday 16th November 2010 (previews from Saturday 6th November 2010) until Saturday 4th December 2010.