‘Ruined’ and ‘Fela!’ get the top Lucille Lortel prizes for off-Broadway’s best

‘Ruined’ gets top Lortel off-Broadway play prize

NEW YORK — Productions set in Africa have taken the top Lucille Lortel Awards for the best of off-Broadway.

“Ruined,” Lynn Nottage’s drama of survival set against the backdrop of an African civil war, has received the prize for best play, while “Fela!” (FAY’-la) was chosen best musical.

“Fela!” received the most awards, collecting two other prizes, including awards for its choreographer, Bill T. Jones, and its costume designer, Marina Draghici (Ma-RHEE’-nah DRAH’-ge-chee).

The musical is based on the life of African composer and activist Fela Anikulapo (ah nee-koo-LA’-poh) Kuti (COO’-tee).

“Ruined” also won a Pulitzer Prize.