This week a vibrant, brave and critically-acclaimed show is coming to Chicago’s Arie Crown Theater. “Fela!” tells the story of Fela Kuti, the revolutionary musician and political activist who created a genre of music known as Afrobeat. His songs blend genres, sounds and rhythms, and incorporate lyrics intended to dissect and criticize Nigeria’s oppressive and militaristic government. This week, The DePaulia had the unique opportunity to interview actress Melanie Marshall, who portrays Fela’s mother, Funmilayo, in the show.

“Fela!” began with two main productions both in London and on Broadway. When it came time to take the production on tour throughout Europe and the U.S., some cast members from each run of the show were selected. Marshall was the only individual chosen from the London cast.

“For me, to be returning to this show is probably one of the proudest moments,” said Marshall. “It is actually my best role to date. It’s one of the most fulfilling, most wonderful, creative, satisfying roles I have ever done.”

Years ago, Marshall became instantly enamored with the production.

“A friend of mine saw the show on Broadway and said ‘I’ve just seen your next job,'” said Marshall. “I decided there and then that I had to be in the show one way or another.”

She remembers watching clips online and being overtaken by “Fela!” She was captured by its power, vivacity and ability to absorb an audience completely within its very first minutes.

“It’s not your run-of-the-mill musical,” said Marshall. “This is a musical about a true person, true characters, true life, true family.”

As she spoke, it became apparent how much she loves not only performing in this show, but the production and characters themselves.

“There is a legacy of continuing a show about a true story,” she said. “These are not just characters that have been created, these are real-life people.”

There seems to be something innately different about portraying a character that has been devised by an author and portraying a character that really existed, rebelled and lived. It molds a dedication to fulfilling an accurate representation of real and truly influential people, which Marshall seems to have not only achieved, but mastered. She talked about the experience of meeting Kuti’s actual grandchildren who gave their “stamp of approval” on her performance and portrayal of their grandmother.

Marshallis incredibly drawn to the character of Funmilayo.

“I wish she was still alive so that I could just shake her and say hello,” she said. “She was a strict, stern, no nonsense political rebel and feminist in her own right.”

Although Funmilayo composes only a part of the show, her dynamism speaks to the intensity of the production as a whole. A mother’s role is boundless and according to Marshall, Funmilayo serves as a guiding force in Kuti’s incredible life. She appears onstage a number of times, but often sings from backstage, serving quite literally as a guiding voice within Kuti’s life. Funmilayo reminds us of the importance of those who shape us on our paths.

Marshallspoke of her performance and the show with such passion and dedication. She described how Kuti “was beaten and tortured and imprisoned over 200 times and every single time the man got up to live another day, to write another song, to write another lyric.”

His relentless vivacity is awe-inspiring.

“His music, Afrobeat, had the mantra and still does that ‘music is the weapon,'” said Marshall. “And that is a weapon that he would wield at every single opportunity.”

“Fela!” entertains, informs and opens our eyes to the power of art, dedication, bravery and pure human spirit. Marshall explained how treasured the show has become by all audiences. It provides something for everyone whether they are a fan of the show, have never seen it or have never even been to the theater before at all.

This week, Chicago has the opportunity to witness history come to life on stage. “Fela!” provides an unforgettable show fueled by an incredible cast.

“It’s such a wonderful experience in every single way,” said Marshall. “Yes, in every single way.”

“Fela!” runs Feb. 19 through Feb. 23 at the Arie Crown Theater.