This week, DanceHere contributor Kristen had the chance to see Fela!, a new musical by Bill T. Jones and Jim Lewis. Here, in a special post, we are happy to bring you her review of the show.

(FelaOffBroadway.com)

“The African drum is the pulse of the world!” Fela exclaims as he describes the wonders of Afrobeat music to the packed audience at 37 Arts in New York City. When you add to that drum beat a splash of guitar, roaring brass horns, and a stage full of sultry singers and dancers in contemporary tribal attire, one becomes instantly transfixed by the contagiously energetic spectacle taking place right before your eyes.

Fela!, is a new Off Broadway musical directed and choreographed by Tony Award winning Bill T. Jones with book by Jim Lewis and musical arrangements by Aaron Johnson and Antibalas. The show employs hypnotic rhythms that instantly transport audience members into the fantastic, extreme world of its main character Fela Kuti.

Put simply, Fela was a legendary Nigerian musician whose politically charged Afrobeat music challenged corrupt government ideals and inspired thousands in the 1960s and 70s. But we quickly learn there is nothing simple about this man or his music.

The experience begins upon entering the intimate theater that has been transformed into the African Shrine, Fela’s night club in Lagos, Nigeria. Complete with colorful murals on every wall and a ten-piece band pumping out a blend of jazz, funk, and African tunes on stage, it is evident that something incredible is about to happen. Fela, played by Sahr Ngaujah, takes the stage to lead us on an extraordinary whirlwind of an evening at the club.

The first act is jam packed with explosive music and dance extravaganzas that cause the head bopping audience to erupt into thunderous applause — even hooting and hollering — after each piece. The athletic core of performers displays a mastery of authentic African dance technique, and the hip isolations taking place on stage leave very little to the imagination.

Jones’ choreography is sharp and clean, yet effectively emits a hot, spontaneous, realistic energy in each movement. Moments of interactive improvisational challenges allow individual personalities to shine. At other times, the percussive synchronicity of the group’s movements and voice as a whole brings heightened energy to the

Sahr Ngaujah in the role of Fela Kuti

And in the middle of all this excitement is the charismatic man of the hour. Ngaujah shines in the role of Fela. One might enter the theater knowing nothing about Fela Kuti, but because of Ngaujah’s genuine performance, you will leave feeling like you have known the man for years. Through direct dialogue with the audience, Ngaujah emanates the much talked about love for humanity that was such a large part of Fela’s legacy. He makes it easy to understand why so many people were inspired by his words and his music.

The depth of Fela’s story takes flight in the second act. When 1,000 soldiers stormed his Lagos compound in 1977, they burned his home and belongings, physically harmed those living there, and threw Fela’s mother Funmilayo Ransome Kuti from a window, ultimately resulting in her death. Abena Koomson’s voice brings chills each time she appears on the upper level stage as she portrays the strong role of Funmilayo.

Through moving pieces like “Zombie,” “Sorrow Tears and Blood,” and “Coffin Head of State,” we experience Fela’s will to persevere despite the hardships he has endured, and with the support of his devoted followers.

Whether you are looking for a heart thumping, fun evening of music and theater or are interested in the touching history of an inspirational free spirit, Fela! will not leave you disappointed. As Fela often yells to the crowd during a red hot performance at the Shrine, “Everybody say YEAH YEAH!”