In this scene of ‘orishas’ (the spirit of the ancestors) Fela calls to the Gods to speak to his mother. The use of UV light on stage creates a 3D effect, aimed at evoking a spiritual experience. The exceptional make- up and costumes of the cast look impressive under the light.

Paulette Ivory presents the set design model box for the FELA! production. The cast is ready to move to the Olivier stage from the rehearsal studio.

See the cast of FELA! sharing their excitement and thoughts about the first dress rehearsal. A short journey backstage depicts the dynamics and the energy of the cast before their first performance.

See backstage and dress rehearsal footage before a charity performance at the Royal Festival Hall.

Paulette Ivory introduces the performer Sahr Ngaujah who played the part of Fela Kuti in the original Broadway production and now joins the cast for the London show.

Paulette Ivory gives us a glimpse of the cast's first opportunity to rehearse on the Olivier stage. Paulette has a luminous costume fitting and a baby causes controversy!

Paulette Ivory captures the cast and crew of FELA! celebrating Fela’s birthday at a London Jazz Club.

We meet Scarlette Douglas, playing Queen Ihase, check out Wanjiru Kamuyu’s spontaneous rhyming, Bill T. Jones talking passionately about African movement, and one almighty dance off!

Meet Laurence Corns, the associate Music Director of FELA! Laurence introduces the band and we see the rehearsal room from the band's perspective.

In this film we meet Paulette Ivory, peek into the FELA! rehearsal room and get to be a fly on the wall as Fela Kuti's son shows Rolan Bell how his father moved.

Through a mixture of interviews and original footage, people who had a relationship with the man and his music speak about Fela Kuti, his music, and why both are relevant today. Directed by Noble Fox.

This is an interdisciplinary unit for KS3 history and music (which could also be adapted for GCSE music), based on the life and music of Fela Kuti, which has been designed to support the National Theatre’s musical production FELA! It contains production images, areas of exploration and suggested activities for classroom work.