Bill T. Jones To Direct Fela Kuti Musical
This article is from the archive of The New York Sun before the launch of its new website in 2022. The Sun has neither altered nor updated such articles but will seek to correct any errors, mis-categorizations or other problems introduced during transfer.
The Tony Award-winning choreographer Bill T. Jones will direct and choreograph a new musical about Fela Kuti, slated to open in September, Variety reported.
“Fela!” was written by Jim Lewis and Mr. Jones, who won a Tony last year for his choreography of “Spring Awakening,” and is based on the life of the politically active Nigerian musician. Kuti, who died in 1997, spent years as a political prisoner after founding the political party Movement of the People, and is known for bringing huge bands to the stage, including many singers, dancers, percussionists, brass musicians, and guitarists. His music, which blends jazz with African beats and lyrics that demanded change and equality in his country, will be performed in the show by the Brooklyn group Antibalas.
The show will be produced by Ruth and Stephen Hendel, and will run at the 37 Arts theater in Manhattan from September 4 to September 21.
