Synopsis Fela! is about the extravagant, decadent and rebellious world o f 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. The show is a hybrid of concert, dance and musical theater.
Following triumphant runs on Broadway and at the National Theatre, Fela!, the musical which tells the story of the life of the afrobeat legend Fela Kuti, has come to Sadler’s Wells for what is sure to be an electrifying few weeks.
Sahr Ngaujah is wonderful in the title role, his seemingly boundless energy – both with the cast and when interacting with the audience – driving the show forwards. Ngaujah captures the charisma that brought the musician and activist such adoration and respect in the turbulent Nigeria of the 1970s.
The show’s conceit – a final concert by Kuti and his band at The Shrine in Lagos – works beautifully as a framing device, even if the moments where the music drops and Kuti is left to philosophise over his future choices appear low-energy in comparison with the rousing dance numbers. This contrast is far more successfully handled in the scene in which the musician’s compound undergoes a devastating attack by Nigerian government forces. This is the episode at the heart of the story and the stillness of the dancers compared with their previous vitality, alongside some sensitively presented projections, makes for very affecting storytelling.
It is to the credit of director and choreographer Bill T Jones that the show does not shy away from the challenging aspects of Kuti’s story. It would have been easy to make Fela! a purely joyful concert show, but brave choices have been made and the piece is the stronger for it, offering lows as well as highs to paint a picture of a life and a time with plenty for us to learn from.
Wow oh wow, I am not particularly a fan of musicals, I am not a particularly big fan of big shows but this was amazing! Yes its scrappy in places, some moments go on a bit long but this had enourmous heart and awe inspiring energy and the main guy is out of this world, it lit up sadlers wells and it left me with a huge smile on my face. If you want Wicked dont bother but if you want a night of fun and a very interesting story then this is for you! - A man
Closed 23 June 96 to October 98 for a £48million refurbishment. On 3 Jun 1683 a Mr Sadler opened a pleasure garden at a country spring, this became known as Sadler's Wells. A wooden stage, later enclosed, there was known as Miles' Musik House. Theatre started in 1753. In 1765 a new theatre was opened. For a period it was the Aquatic Theatre with a floodable tank on stage, reverting to its current name in 1844. Closed in 1878 (had been a skating rink and a boxing ring). Re-opened 1879. Closed in 1906. Lilian Baylis opened a theatre there in 1931. Lilian Baylis was the niece of Emma Cons, the first woman member of the LCC and the freeholder of the Royal Victoria Hall and Coffee Tavern (now the Old Vic). Became a solely ballet and opera venue in 1934. Sadler's Wells was the original home of the Royal Ballet (then the Sadler's Wells Ballet) and the opera company from here moved on to the Coliseum. 1500 seats. Now has its own well back in use for the cooling system and bottled water. Very major refurbishment completed in 1998. Society of London Theatre member.
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