RIALTO CHATTER: FELA! to Play Nigeria?

According to contactmusic.com, FELA! has been asked by officials at the Nigerian Ministry of Culture to perform in Nigeria this October. A FELA! performance would be part of the celebration for the country's 50 years of independence.

After hearing from Nigerian Culture officials, choreographer Bill T. Jones is finding difficulty scheduling the trip. The proposed performance is only three weeks before FELA! opens in the West End: "We have been invited to do a performance there (in Nigeria) by Fela's daughter and the Ministry of Culture there. It's a little bit of a problem because it happens before we open at the National Theatre in London. The National Theatre is very supportive of it, but it's just three weeks before the London (launch). But we do want to be there," Jones said.

FELA! is based on the life and music of groundbreaking African composer, performer and activist Fela Anikulapo-Kuti. FELA! is currently playing at Broadway's Eugene O'Neill Theatre (230 West 49th Street), where it opened to rave reviews on November 23, 2009. It is the recipient of 3 Tony Awards, including Best Chorography for Bill T. Jones. Tickets are available through Telecharge.com, by calling (212) 239-6200 or in-person at The Eugene O'Neill Box Office. For more info, visit FelaOnBroadway.com.