FELA! Tickets

Step into the vibrant world of FELA!. This electrifying musical makes a triumphant return to the stage after more than a decade with a groundbreaking co-production from Round House Theatre and Olney Theatre Center. Get FELA! tickets today and experience this extraordinary performance!

Winner of three Tony Awards for Best Choreography, Best Costume Design, and Best Sound Design, FELA! immerses audiences in a world of infectious rhythms and electrifying dance through a blend of traditional African drumming, jazz, and funk. It captures the essence of the Afrobeat genre, seamlessly merging political commentary with pulsating melodies.

The New York Times raves that FELA!, “captures the spirit of rebellion…that dwells within all of us.” Prepare to be captivated by an enthralling journey that transcends borders and inspires audiences to stand up and make a difference.

Set in 1978, the musical follows Fela Aníkúlápó Kuti, a renowned musician, activist, and global icon, during his farewell show at the Afrika Shrine nightclub in Lagos, Nigeria. After enduring the tragic loss of his mother in a brutal assault by a dictator, Fela uses his iconic blend of traditional African drumming, jazz, and funk to tell his story of survival and fuel a global revolution. His journey is a testament to the resilience and the power of music to ignite change. This Tony Award-winning and Grammy-nominated musical strikes a chord with its universal theme of rebellion against corruption and oppression.

Directed by Bill T. Jones, renowned choreographer and recipient of the prestigious MacArthur Fellowship, FELA! is not just a musical. It’s a powerful testament to the spirit of one man and his unwavering fight against corruption.

Witness the electrifying energy of FELA! in Washington, D.C., as it brings this inspiring true story to life on stage. Audiences will be moved, uplifted, and inspired by this extraordinary production that reminds us of the unyielding spirit of human defiance in the face of injustice.

What to Watch For

• FELA! was conceived by renowned choreographer Bill T. Jones, with a book by Jim Lewis. It premiered off Broadway in 2008 and moved to Broadway in 2009.
• The musical features the music and lyrics of Fela Kuti himself, who was a pioneer of the Afrobeat genre.
• FELA! received critical acclaim and was nominated for 11 Tony Awards in 2010, winning Best Choreography, Best Costume Design, and Best Sound Design.
• The show’s choreography draws from various African dance styles, including traditional Nigerian dances and elements of jazz and modern dance.