Lecture by Ondjaki: “History and War in Angolan Literature”
Speakers): Ondjaki
Ondjaki is a young Angolan writer and actor who has already achieved tremendous critical acclaim internationally. We are privileged to host him at èצӰ and look forward to an unusual and exciting presentation on a literature that is often overlooked.
Abstract: Beginning with historical facts, it is possible to find both political and literary bridges between reality and fiction in Angolan literature. This seminar will demonstrate an approach to historical occurances through some of the most significant figures in Angolan history. It begins with the commencement of the Armed Struggle in 1961, explores the later participation of Cuban troops in the consolidation of independence and finally considers the last period of the civil war, from 1992 – 2002. It is a brief journey though the history and literature of Angola.
Bibliography: Ondjaki was born in Luanda in 1977. A writer and poet, he also works in film and has recently co-directed a documentary about entitled “Oxalá cresçam pitangas – histórias de Luanda” (We Hope that Cherries Will Grow - stories of Luanda) [2006]’. He is a member of the Union of Angolan Writers and various other artistic and literary forums. His books have been translated in French, Spanish, Italian, German, English, Serbian, Swedish and Polish.
For more information please contact saramago [at] stanford.edu (Victoria Saramago)ǰ jess.auerbach [at] stanford.edu (Jess Auerbach)
Sponsored by: Center for African Studies; Center for Latin American Studies; Department of Iberian and Latin American Cultures; Tangible Thoughts in Luso-Brazilian Literatures