FELA!
Directed by Lili-Anne Brown | Olney Theatre Center
Be transported to 1978, to meet musician, activist, and global superstar Fela Anikulapo Kuti at his farewell show at the Afrika Shrine nightclub in Lagos, Nigeria. After losing his own mother in a dictator’s violent attack, Fela’s final act in Nigeria is to use his iconic music—a spirited blend of traditional African drumming, jazz, and funk—to tell his story of survival and global revolution through Afrobeat and floor-shaking dance. The Tony Award-winning and Grammy-nominated musical “captures the spirit of rebellion…that dwells within all of us” (The New York Times) in the inspiring true story of one man’s fight against corruption and oppression.
Reviews
"As a bonus treat, the album covers are projected (good work by Kelly Colburn) against the rear of the stage when Fela mentions the era they were in, which was cool for me personally, since now I want to dig deeper into the world of 70’s Afrobeat and know what to look for. " - Drew Morris, Morris Theatre DC
"Although the grooves seem nonstop, the music pauses long enough to tell the story through Richmond’s narration, punctuated by well-chosen projections by Kelly Colburn of headlines and Kuti’s fascinating life " - Roger Catlin, BroadwayWorld
"And Scenic Designer Arnel Sancianco and Projections Designer Kelly Colburn bring so much authenticity and liveliness to this production. I kept looking up and around to find new elements. " - Megan Wills, DC Theatre Arts
FELA!
Director Lili-Anne Brown
Musical Director S. Renee Clark
Choreographer Breon Arzell
Set Design Arnel Sancianco
Costume and Puppet Design Rueben D. Echoles
Lighting Design Sherrice Mojgani
Sound Design Matt Rowe
Projection Design Kelly Colburn
Associate Projection Design Dylan Uremovich
Musical Director S. Renee Clark
Choreographer Breon Arzell
Set Design Arnel Sancianco
Costume and Puppet Design Rueben D. Echoles
Lighting Design Sherrice Mojgani
Sound Design Matt Rowe
Projection Design Kelly Colburn
Associate Projection Design Dylan Uremovich