FELA: The Musical.
@FelaMusical RT @HeadofThoughts I need to talk about FELA! That ish was mind-blowing, soul-touching, thought-provoking and downright joyful. Incredible.
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That was my initial reaction to FELA! The Musical on Broadway, as retweeted by @FelaMusical itself, who graciously accepted the compliment. I meant every word.
I was, and still am, in awe of these dancers, these actors, these musicians, these people: of their strength— the physical strength of the performers and the resiliency of the characters and lives they represent and bring back to life; of their musicality— with Antibalas holding down a cast of insanely talented actors and dancers; and of their respect— for the story they were telling and the modern-day implications and representations of the same issues that Fela Kuti had to face in the 1970’s, as we see them repeated today (pay close attention to the caskets and what is written on them during that scene).
Who is Fela Kuti? You should know. But as a firm believer in self-education and the fact that many of us are not taught the stories and the histories that we should be learning, and as a believer in the “if you don’t know, now you know” theory, Google him. Do your research.
Or better yet, go see this show. His story, and the story of the Shrine, and his life and his politically charged messages and Afro-beautiful music are all brought to life, as are the hearts of the audience.
I could hardly sit still. My eyes darted around the stage and throughout the audience, trying not to miss one movement, though this is impossible at the rate they are moving. I wanted to jump on stage and dance with the Queens. I wanted to hug Fela at parts as I cried for his pain. My emotions were 100% invested.
Broadway has always impressed me. But to see this story brought to life expanded my mind and engaged my soul.
