FELA ! Off-Broadway Poster NYC 2' x 3' Rare 2008 NEW : Large Color Poster for the original New York City 2008 Stage Production of * FELA ! * Off-Broadway near Times Square at the acclaimed 37 Arts Theater on West 37th Street in Hell's Kitchen , New York City. The life and music of the mega-talented Nigerian song writer and freedom fighter Fela Kuti land in New York City Off-Broadway. In this new musical, directed and choreographed by Tony Award winner Bill T. Jones with a book by Jim Lewis and arrangements by Aaron Johnson and Antibalas, audiences are welcomed into the extravagant, decadent and rebellious world of Afrobeat legend Fela Kuti. Using his pioneering music (a blend of jazz, funk and African rhythm and harmonies), Fela! explores Kuti's controversial life as artist, political activist and revolutionary musician. Featuring many of Fela Kuti's most captivating songs and Bill T. Jones's imaginative staging, this new show is a provocative hybrid of concert, dance and musical theater.The musical style performed by Fela Kuti is called Afrobeat, which is essentially a fusion of jazz, funk and Traditional African Chant. It is characterized by having African style percussion, vocals, and musical structure, along with jazzy, funky horn sections. The “endless groove” is also used, in which a base rhythm of drums, muted guitar, and bass guitar are repeated throughout the song. This is a common technique in African and African-influenced musical styles, and can be seen in funk and hip-hop. Some elements often present in Fela’s music are the call-and-response with the chorus and figurative but simple lyrics. Fela’s songs were almost always over ten minutes in length, some reaching the twenty or even thirty minute marks. This was one of many reasons that his music never reached a substantial degree of popularity outside of Africa. His songs were mostly sung in Nigerian pidgin, although he also performed a few songs in the Yoruba language. Fela’s main instruments were the saxophone and the keyboards but he also played the trumpet, guitar and made the occasional drum solo. Fela refused to perform songs again after he had already recorded them, which also hindered his popularity outside Africa. Fela was known for his showmanship, and his concerts were often quite outlandish and wild. He referred to his stage act as his “underground spiritual game”. For a great video preview of this wonderful unique musical , check out this link : http://greatdance.com/videos/2008/07/bill-t-jones-directs-offbroadw/ . This New Original Poster is Large Wall Size ( measures 2' foot wide by 3' foot high ) and is printed on thick heavy chrome-coat advertising poster stock paper printed in Beautiful Brilliant , Razor-sharp 6 color production. This Original FELA ! Poster is printed in Limited Edition and features both beautiful musical graphics and color , as well as a great photograph of Fela. Rare , Authentic , FELA ! NYC Off-Broadway Theater Collectible ~ ready for framing , or just simply hang as is. Great for a Dorm Room , Den , Office or Music Studio . ** NOTE : We have 2 different color versions of this poster > one is a Red tone , the other a Blue tone ( see pictures ) , Please specify which version ( either Red or Blue ) poster you would like when ordering. ** This poster will be gently rolled and shipped in a heavy duty tube and shipped Priority Mail with Delivery Confirmation / Tracking. This Poster is in Mint New Condition. Please email with any questions before purchasing if you are unsure about something. We ONLY accept Money Orders , Cashiers Checks or U.S. Cash as payment ( we do NOT accept personal checks or online payment at all ). Please email about local pick-up , we are located in NYC in Times Square. All International Customers MUST email us before purchasing this item.
