Fela!, the hit Broadway musical which is currently playing at the National Theatre, is to transfer to Sadler’s Wells this summer for a six-week run from 20 July.
Directed and choreographed by Spring Awakening’s Bill T Jones, Fela! explores the extravagant, rebellious world of Afrobeat star Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, who died in 1997. The show reveals his controversial life as an artist, polygamist, commune founder and political activist, as well as celebrating his pioneering music, a blend of jazz, funk and African rhythm and harmonies.
Fela! began life off-Broadway in 2008 before transferring to Broadway the following year, attracting high profile co-producers including Jay-Z and Will and Jada Pinkett Smith. The show opened in London in November 2010, despite a legal challenge from the author of a biography of Fela.
Sadler’s Wells Artistic Director Alistair Spalding commented: “Fela! has been a huge success both on Broadway and at the National Theatre and I’m thrilled we are now able to bring it to Sadler’s Wells. I have keenly followed the development of the show from its earliest days and it is wonderful to be working once again with Bill T Jones and in partnership with the National. Fela! is an incredibly entertaining combination of dance, music and theatre making it the perfect summer show for Sadler’s Wells.”
Nicholas Hytner, Director of the National Theatre, added: “Having Fela! at the National Theatre has been thrilling and unforgettable. Bill T Jones, his creative team and brilliant company created an exhilarating experience in the Olivier theatre, and audiences came in their droves to dance in the aisles – almost half of them visiting the NT for the first time. I’m delighted that the party isn’t over and that London audiences will have another chance to see this extraordinary show at Sadler’s Wells.”
Fela!, which ends its run at the National Theatre this coming Saturday, will play at Sadler’s Wells from 20 July to 28 August.
CB