He’s Baaaaack

Yo yo yo – so, the last several months have been challenging and exciting and empowering. Bill T. Jones has been pushing me and the company of FELA! to make the best possible work we could ever achieve. He’s phenomenal and has lead us toward great art making. I’m sincerely thankful. And I hope many folks get to see FELA! on broadway.

10 weeks of rehearsals (5 of which coincided with previews – rehearsals during the day, shows at night) have left me with such intimate relationships with the entire company and with Fela’s world and music. The room of artists that Bill and our producer Steve brought together was in constant creative motion – making and remaking and cutting and adding and pushing and sharing and thinking and throwing down. Whew – if every process could be this wrought with commitment, I’d never hunger.

Anywho – a post a little less diary like and a little less gushy to come – but needed to get this one out.

Love and selah!
Niegel

FELA!

August 2008 – March 2012 (37 Arts – NYC; Broadway – NYC; National Theatre – London; Ecko – Lagos; & US/World Tour)

Associate Director: Niegel Smith

Directed by Bill T. Jones, Written by Bill T. Jones and Jim Lewis

His story inspired a nation. His music inspired the world. FELA!, is the true story of the legendary Nigerian musician Fela Kuti, whose soulful Afrobeat rhythms ignited a generation. Inspired by his mother, a civil rights champion, he defied a corrupt and oppressive military government and devoted his life and music to the struggle for freedom and human dignity. FELA! is a triumphant tale of courage, passion and love, featuring Fela Kuti’s captivating music and the visionary direction and choreography of Tony-Award winner Bill T. Jones.