“Fela”
“Fela!” imagines a night at the Lagos, Nigeria, dance hall that was the performing home of musician and freedom fighter Fela Anikulapo-Kuti. Sahr Ngaujah, center, portrays Fela, with Adesola Osakalumi taking the role at certain performances as the touring production visits the Ahmanson Theatre. (Francine Orr / Los Angeles Times)
Sahr Ngaujah, center, invokes the multiple talents of the real Fela Anikulapo-Kuti. (Francine Orr / Los Angeles Times)
Fela Anikulapo-Kuti pioneered Afrobeat, the sound of which is rooted in the drum. Rasaan-Elijah “Talu” Green, center, often steps forward to propel that beat. (Francine Orr / Los Angeles Times)
As Fela (Sahr Ngaujah) stirs the crowd at his dance hall, he repeatedly hears his murdered mother, Funmilayo (Melanie Marshall), call to him from the great beyond. (Francine Orr / Los Angeles Times)
Fela Anikulapo-Kuti set about raising consciousness and instilling power. The stage musical “Fela!” -- ever thrusting fists into the air -- aims to do the same. The show is directed, choreographed and co-conceived by Bill T. Jones. “Fela!” continues at the Ahmanson Theatre through Jan. 22. (Francine Orr / Los Angeles Times)