Abuja – Swedish Ambassador to Nigeria Svante Kilander says the embassy will collaborate with Nigeria to enhance works of arts and cultural relationship between both countries.
In an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja during an event entitled: “ Tranströmer Meets Soyinka evening of Poetry Theatre’’, featuring Makinde Adeniran’s `What The Hunter Saw’’.
“What The Hunter Saw’’ is a play based on the selection of Tomas Tranströmer — a Swedish — and Wole Soyinka poems.
He noted that works of arts, especially poetry “is a strong tool for preaching culture and societal issues.
He observed that “Soyinka is a very well-known noble writer in Sweden before he got his Nobel Prize and his books are in Sweden libraries and book stores.
“We have a very long tradition with Soyinka which is over 40 years just as Tomas Tranströmer, a Swedish writer, and their works have transformed lives and the society.
“Their great art is international and are very good works of theatre and this calls for collaborative effort to strengthen theatre and culture in the country.’’
He assured the organiser of the event, Mr Jerry Adesewo, the Director of Arojah Royal Theatre, of continued partnership in promotion.
In a separate interview, Adesewo said that the event was in tune with the theatrical initiative and projects called “Cultural Diplomacy Initiative.’’
“This is an annual production of plays in collaboration with foreign missions and embassies in Nigeria inaugurated in 2014 to promote and encourage the country’s cultural relationship with foreign countries,’’ he said.
During the event at Cyprian Ekwensi Centre for Arts and Culture, Abuja, there were poetic performances by some poets in the country including Time Bello, Bash and HayWhy De Rhymer, among others.
Also, Tranströmer and Soyinka poems, such as “April Silence’’ by Tomas Tranströmer and “Night’’ by Wole Soyinka, were recited by members of Arojah Royah Theatre.
Tranströmer is Swedish poet, psychologist and translator whose poems capture the long Swedish winters, the rhythm of the seasons and atmospheric beauty of nature.
His work is also characterised by a sense of mystery and wonder underlying the routine of everyday life. He won Nobel Prize in Literature in 2011and died in 2015.
Soyinka is a Nigerian playwright and poet. He was awarded the 1986 Nobel Prize in Literature, the first African to be honoured in that category.(NAN)
