Duain Richmond as Fela Kuti (center) in Olney Theatre Center and Round House Theatre’s co-production of “Fela!” Photo by Teresa Castracane.
The music and dance of West Africa are part of the fabric of life there. Just walk down a street, and the sounds and beats somehow seem to fill the air. So it is no wonder that music of one of Africa’s most revered musicians and songwriters, Fela Aníkúlápó Kuti’s (Duain Richmond), would be used to tell his story. “FELA!” is a co-production of Round House Theatre and Olney Theatre Center, performed at Olney, and the first since the National Tour ended.
…Richmond’s portrayal is superb…If you are lucky enough to get a ticket to see ‘FELA!’ it will be a performance you will remember for the rest of your life.
The musical premiered on Broadway in 2009, receiving eleven 2010 Tony Award nominations and winning three. The book by Bill T. Jones and Jim Lewis is based on the Fela’s recordings (with additional music by Aaron Johnson and Jordan McLean.) Although most of the music and lyrics are his own, “FELA!” is not just another jukebox musical. It is biographical, focusing on the time when the performer became the target of the Nigerian military government for his political views against the dictatorship of his country. Though he was a star in Nigeria, the military attacked his compound where he, his family, friends, and staff from his nightclub, The Shrine, resided. Many of them were sexually assaulted, beaten, and tortured and his mother was killed. The musical is Fela’s last concert at The Shrine after the attack in 1978, using his music and dance to tell his story and as a force for political change.
Fela grew up in Nigeria but during his time attending school in England, the music of jazz musicians like John Coltrane greatly influenced him. His trip to the United States lit the fire of political action. The kindling, however, was already in his life. His mother, Funmilayo (Melody A. Betts), was one of the chief political opponents to the military government that took over Nigeria after colonialism. Fela would be arrested over 200 times and often beaten close to death.
Not really familiar with Fela Kuti’s work, it was all new and wonderful to me and many others in the audience. Generally regarded as the pioneer of Afrobeat, his music primarily conveys the feel of West African tribal music, adding jazz, funk, and a bit of reggae. Those who knew his music were already huge fans.
The night started with a performance by the fabulous band lead by the conductor and musical director, S. Renee Clark. If all we heard was two hours of just the band, everyone would have all gone home happy. By the time the show started, everyone was bouncing in their seats.
The show is about the lasting aura of Fela Kuti and Richmond’s portrayal is superb. It is hard to remember he is not Fela, perhaps because he performed the character on Broadway and in the National Tour. The performances are made more demanding because the characters break down the fourth wall and tell their stories directly to the audience. In a few numbers, like “Originality/Yellow Fever” and “Water No Get Enemy,” Fela asks the audience to actually take part by singing and dancing at their seats. Several times throughout, cast members perform in the aisles as well.
Melody A. Betts brought down the house when she belted out “Rain” in one of most moving moments of the evening. Her voice is incomparable. Shantel Cribbs shines as Fela’s American love interest, Sondra. She is very sultry and seductive in her number, “Lover,” with Richmond.
However, it is Fela’s socio-political hits “Zombie,” “Sorrow, Tears and Blood,” and “Kere Kay” that are the epicenter of the production. The songs are filled with wonderful melodies accompanied by energetic and creative choreography by Breon Arzell. The ensemble’s talent is showcased by Arzell’s vision as well as that of director Lili-Anne Brown.
Arnel Sancianco’s set make the audience feel as if they are sitting at The Shrine. A neat feature added for the show is small café tables next to the stage seated with members of the audience (limited tickets are available). Rueben Echoles’ costume design captures Nigeria in the 1970s and 80s, reflecting the tribal traditions of the country and the vibrant colors help emphasize the upbeat feeling of the production. The lighting design by Sherrice Mojgani highlights the joy and more tragic moments of the play.
If you are lucky enough to get a ticket to see “FELA!” it will be a performance you will remember for the rest of your life. It not only totally entertaining, but you will learn things about the horrible remnants of colonialism that still persist today. You may also learn about something about yourself as well. How long would you be willing to suffer for causes in which you believe? How brave are you in the fight for those beliefs?
Running Time: Two hours and 40 minutes with one intermission.
Advisory: If “FELA!” was a movie, it would be rated R for violence, language, and sexual situations.
“FELA!” runs through August 13, 2023, a co-production of The Olney Theatre Center and Round House Theatre. It is presented at the Roberts Mainstage at Olney Theatre Center, 2001 Olney-Sandy Spring Road, Olney MD 20832. More information and tickets, as well as list of other events connected with this production, are available online. Performances are Wednesdays-Saturdays at 8 pm and Sundays and Wednesdays at 2 pm. Tickets prices start at $47.00.
The set design includes room for a limited number of audience members to sit next to the stage at cabaret tables in the middle of the action. To feel any closer to Fela’s Afrika Shrine nightclub, patrons must buy a plane ticket to Lagos. Click here for tickets. There is room for two people at each table, and like a proper nightclub, patrons must be at least 21 years old to sit there. Note: Masks are no longer required for any performance but are recommended.
Olney Theatre Center and Round House Theatre are extending the run of FELA! The new closing date is Sunday, August 20, 2023. The additional performances are:
Wednesday, August 16 at 8:00 pm
Thursday, August 17 at 8:00 pm
Friday, August 18 at 8:00 pm
Saturday, August 19 at 2:00 pm
Saturday, August 19 at 8:00 pm
Sunday, August 20 at 2:00 pm
Duain Richmond continues in the title role, as Fela. During the extension week only, the role of Funmilayo, currently portrayed by Melody A. Betts, will be played by Yewande Odetoyinbo.
