The Project WS80/International Cultural Exchange, now in its FIFTH year, was set up to appreciate the contribution of the Artist(e) to his/her society — using the iconic status and quintessential contribution of Prof. Wole Soyinka as a template. Previous editions have featured advocacy lectures, children essay competitions and cutting edge interpretations of Soyinka’s plays. The 2014 edition has been expanded to also include country-wide tour of exhibition of Soyinka’s portraits (curated by the by the Olu Ajayi Studios); and a gathering of renowned and wave-making Spoken Word Artistes led by the iconic performer, Mutabaruka (from Jamaica), Javon Johnson from the US, and Sage Has.son from Nigeria and 77 others in honour of Soyinka’s poetic essences. Under the theme, FREEDOM OF CREATIVE EXPRESSION (which captures the very essentials of Soyinka’s literary and public intellectual careers), the segment is with partnership of Artwatch Africa (the freedom-of-expression arm of Africa-based Arterial Network) for the World Poetry Month, WPM (July 14) under the theme A Planet Free of Wars – For Peace, Justice and Poetry.
7TH – 9TH JULY, 2014.
Wole Soyinka Portraits Exhibition tour:
Abeokuta – April 25 – July 14
Osogbo – June 13 & 14
Port Harcourt – June 27– 29
Lagos – July 1 – 7 at Freedom Park
Lagos – July 11 at Terra Kulture (Exhibition and spoken word.)
Lagos – July 11 & 12
Ibadan – July 15 – August 15
Jos – August 19
NB: Exhibition curated and produced in partnership with the Olu Ajayi Studios on the platform of The Legend Series.
11TH JULY, 2014
The Soyinka Conference begins
Topic: ‘THE SOYINKA IMPULSE’
(Art, Humanity, transition and permanence calibrating Soyinka at 80)
(NB: Conference organised by the Wole Soyinka Society with support of Project WS80. Details www.wolesoyinkasociety.org)
- Spoken Words Presentation
(for Conference Guests @ UNILAG (afternoon)
Mentoring session and workshop for students
Time: afternoon
* Dialogue Through Spoken Words
Time: 7pm
Venue: Terra Kulture, Victoria Island, Lagos
(accompanied by exhibition of Soyinka’s Portraits)
12TH JULY, 2014
- Conference continues
Sight seeing and travel for students
Drama: OBA KOSO; directed by Isiaka Egunbunmi
(for Duro Ladipo Memorial Company)
Venue: June 12 Cultural Centre, Kuto, Abeokuta
Time: 2pm
13TH JULY, 2014
Venue: June 12 Cultural Centre, Kuto, Abeokuta
- Essay writing (by 80 student finalists)
Topic: Education: Path to Freedom and the Future.
Time: 8am-10am
* Osun, & Ondo States’ Cultural Troupes perform
Time: 11am
- ‘Do Your Thing (Prelims)
Time: 11am -1pm
- Lunch Break –1pm-2pm
- Do Your Own Thing (Final)
Time: 2pm-4pm
- Spoken Word Performances
Time: 4pm-5pm
- Grand finale of Spoken Word Performances
Theme: FREEDOM OF CREATIVE EXPRESSION
Time: 8pm
NB: Produced with partnership of Artwatch Africa (the freedom-of-expression arm of Arterial Network) for the World Poetry Month, WPM (July 2014) under the theme: A PLANET FREE OF WARS – FOR PEACE, JUSTICE AND POETRY.
14TH JULY, 2014
- Visit To Governor by 80 finalists & Announcement Of Results
Time: 9am
- Visit To Soyinka’s Residence At Ijegba by 80 Essay finalists
Time: 11am
- Lunch – 1-2pm
* Dialogue Through Spoken Words
Time: 5.30pm
Venue: June 12 Cultural Centre, Kuto Abeokuta
* Drama: ‘Dance Of The Forests,’ dir. By Tunde Awosanmi at Ijegba Forest.
Guests: 80 Essayists, 80 Spoken Word Artistes & other Guests (by invitation)
* CLOSING CEREMONY and Departure.
POST BIRTHDAY PRESENTATIONS:
* ‘Alapata Of Apata’ by Crown Troupe of Nigeria.
* Madmen & Specialists by Jos Repertory Theatre;
* Lanke Omuti by Tunde kelani& Tunde Awosanmi
*Wole Soyinka Portrait Exhibition — Igbale Aiye, Republic of Benin.
