Broadway's Fela! Bound for the Big Screen

Movie audiences will have the chance to see the 11-time Tony Award nominee known as Fela!, thanks to London’s National Theatre. In January 2011, before the national tour of the Broadway phenomenon hits the road, the National will broadcast its own previously announced West End run in theaters across the globe. The company has yet to announce specific dates or venues for the broadcast.

The National frequently broadcasts its productions as part of its NT Live program, which brings stage performances to big screens at performing arts centers in some 22 countries. Previous broadcasts have included Phedre, starring Helen Mirren, The Habit of Art, starring Richard Griffiths, and the upcoming London Assurance, featuring Simon Russell Beale and Fiona Shaw.

In Fela!, which is directed and choreographed by Tony winner Bill T. Jones (Spring Awakening), audiences are welcomed into the extravagant, decadent and rebellious world of real-life revolutionary Anikulapo-Kuti. Using his pioneering music (a blend of jazz, funk and African rhythm and harmonies), in a hybrid of concert, dance and musical theater, the show explores Kuti's controversial life as artist, political activist and revolutionary musician. Title stars Sahr Ngaujah and Kevin Mambo alternate performances in the role of Fela.

Fela! will play in repertory with a production of Hamlet starring Rory Kinnear at the Olivier Theatre at the National. Additional casting and details will be announced shortly.