Fela! at 37 Arts Theatre

Ruth & Stephen Hendel and Roy Gabay present the world premiere of Fela!, a new musical based on the life of African composer, performer and activist Fela Anikulapo Kuti. Directed and choreographed by Tony Award winner Bill T. Jones (Spring Awakening) with a book by Jim Lewis and Bill T. Jones.

Fela! will feature Kuti�s music performed live onstage by Antibalas and other members of the New York Afrobeat community.

This limited Off-Broadway run will open at 37 Arts on 4 Sep 2008, following previews from 29 Jul and run through to 21 Sep 2008.

Fela!: About the extravagant, decadent and rebellious world of 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.

Directed and choreographed by Bill T. Jone, Fela! features features Sahr Ngaujah (Fela Kuti), Abena Koomsons (mother), Anne Andre, Corey Baker, Calvin C. Booker, Lauren Deveaux, Nicole Chantal DeWeever, Rujeko Dumbutshena, Aimee Graham, Talu Green, Karma Mayet Johnson, Ismael Kouyate, Maia McKinney, Marcus Phillips, Daniel Soto, Sparlha Swa, Jill M. Vallery and Iris Wilson.

The creative team includes Marina Draghici (sets & costumes), Rob Wierzel (lighting) and Rob Kaplowitz (sound).