2012 Kwani? Litfest: Conversations with Writers and Artists from The Horn
The Rift Valley Institute and Kwani? LitFest are pleased to invite you to a panel discussion on the role of arts and literature in social reconstruction.
For over two decades the people of Somalia have endured civil war, devastating famines, and a chronic lack of government. The human cost has been enormous. Tens of thousands of people have died and many more been displaced. All aspects of life have been touched by the conflict, including arts and literature.
Many Somalis believe that war, displacement, and the collapse of government institutions have led to an erosion of many aspects of Somali arts and culture. Some even point to this malaise as a reason for the emergence of extremism coupled with conservatism. At the same time Somali artists and writers remain very influential, and new artists and new art forms are being popularized in the Somali diaspora.
Recent developments in Somalia and Somaliland provide hope for a less violent and more positive future for the Somali people. The panellists will discuss the role of arts and literature in Somalia's social reconstruction. They will be joined by Ethiopian playwright, Meaza Worku, and South Sudanese writer, Joseph Eluzai, who will present on the role of arts and literature in their respective societies.
Chair
Hon. Yusuf Hassan Abdi, MP
Panelists
Ahmed Abbas Ahmed, Interpeace
Ayan Mahamoud, Kayd
Said Jama Hussein, Author
Warsan Shire, Poet
Joseph Eluzai, Writer, South Sudan
Meaza Worku, Playwright, Ethiopia
Monday 10 December 2012, 4pm-5.30pm
Goethe-Institut, Monrovia Street, Nairobi
Links
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