Kenyan author Ngugi wa Thiong'o to speak at two Case events
Distinguished novelist, poet and political activist to talk about politics, writing and drama
October 17, 2005 | For more information: Susan Griffith 216-368-1004
Case Western Reserve University's Ethnic Studies Fall Lecture Series on Perspectives of African Cultures will showcase the work of the distinguished and award-winning African writer and Amnesty International Prisoner of Conscience Ngugi wa Thiong'o during two campus events on Thursday, October 20.
Ngugi wa Thiong'o's campus visit highlights the Case community's commitment to expanding knowledge of international writers and intellectuals as part of Case's global vision. The first event, "African Drama and Politics," is a public dialogue with Gilbert Doho—a member of Case's French and Francophone program, director of Case's ethnic studies program and a playwright from the West African nation of Cameroon. It begins at 4:30 p.m. in 309 Clark Hall, 11130 Bellflower Road.
Later that day, Ngugi's free public lecture, "The Power of Words: Literature, Politics and Facts," takes place at 7:30 p.m. in Schmitt Lecture Hall in the Agnar Pytte Science Center, 2074 Adelbert Road, with time for questions and answers as well as a reception to follow. Both events are sponsored by the Case ethnic studies srogram, with the Hallinan Project and the College Scholars Program.
Alice Bach, Case's Hallinan Chair of Catholic Studies, hails these important opportunities to engage Ngugi while he is at Case. "With the possible exception of the South African writer Nadine Gordimer, many Americans are not acquainted with contemporary African literary works—and especially that of this great writer, Ngugi wa Thiong'o, whom I predict will someday win the Nobel Laureate for his important contributions to literature," she said.
Ngugi wa Thiong'o is currently the University of California at Irvine's distinguished professor of English and comparative literature and director of the International Center for Writing and Translation. He has come to the forefront of discussions on the role of indigenous languages in decolonization and anti-colonialist struggles.
The writer's work has earned him such acclaim as the East African Novel Prize (1961) for his first novel, The River Between; the Paul Robeson Prize for Artistic Excellence, Political Conscience and Integrity in 1991; the Zora Neal-Hurston-Paul Robeson Award of the Council for Black Studies in 1993; the Fonlon-Nichols Prize for Artistic Excellence and Human Rights (1996); and numerous other honors.
Ngugi wa Thiong'o's work has stirred the emotions of his Kenyan compatriots, often resulting in the attempt to suppress his political writings. The popularity of his 1977 play, Ngaahika Ndeenda (translated into English as I Will Marry When I Want), among the Kikuyu people was perceived as threatening to the Kenyan government and led to author's prison detainment for two years and later a self-imposed exile to England and the United States. During his imprisonment he became an Amnesty International Prisoner of Conscience. His works serve to bring awareness to political corruption, the ongoing effects of colonial oppression and socioeconomic exploitation.
Since his release from prison, his works have been written in his native Gikuyuk and subsequently translated into many languages, among them English. Among his writings available in English are: Weep Not, Child; A Grain of Wheat; The River Between and Petals of Blood. He chronicled his prison stay at Mamiti Maximum Security Prison in the diary, Detained.
For information, contact Bach at 216-368-1637.
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