Drama, Identity Game Unveiled at the February LRF Book Reading

The Literary Renaissance Foundation (LRF) had its second book reading for the year on the 4^th of February 2024, via Zoom.  It was also streamed live on Facebook and other social media channels, giving many the opportunity to be a part of it.

The Executive Director of the LRF, Mr Babatunde Oladele, gave a welcome address and reminded the attendees of the reason behind the book reading as well as the details of the events while giving a back story of why the LRF was founded and what the organisation hopes to achieve. He also gave a brief recap of the LRF reading dialogue that happened in January.

The reading started at 5:22 pm with introductions from participants, while Olamide Omolawal, one of the apprentices at The Ready Writers Consult, read the profile of the author for the month.

The author, Dr Adedoyin Aguoru, recipient of the Association of Nigerian Authors-Oyo, 2022 Distinction Award, holds degrees in International Relations, English Studies and Comparative Studies from Obafemi Awolowo University, University of Ibadan and the University of Ilorin respectively.

She was a visiting scholar at the Arts Research Centre, Ritsumeikan University, in Kyoto, Japan in 2007. Her research interests include gender-related discourses, comparative studies, and national and cultural identity, specifically Nigerian and Japanese theatrical traditions.

An insightful playwright and director, her other works include, Stolen Seeds, A Voyage Round W.S. (Wole Soyinka), Biographical Narrative, Refugees of the Great Lakes and Drama in Africa. Doyin Aguoru, Editor of Studies in Transnational Africa and Japan (STAG) is currently an Associate Professor at the Department of English, University of Ibadan.

Her book, She …  is a trans-border play on the interface of transnational crime, money laundering and terrorist funding. The activities of the cabal include the placement, layering and integration of illicitly acquired funds from cybercrime, online fraud and oil bunkering. The chief actors combine impersonation, cross-dressing and incomplete transition in trans surgeries to achieve their goals across countries and continents. This identity eventually becomes their undoing. The journey of the main character spanned through three major countries in the world.

After reading sections of the book, the author was commended on her ability to change her voice and expressions as she read the different characters in the play. It was also noted that this was the first time a drama text would be read at the forum.

She asserted that to be able to write intriguing plays, one must develop a keen sense of observation. She cited an example of The Gambians and her experience over there on how they have a sense of security compared to Nigeria.

She stated, “It is important to develop a keen sense of observation. When you travel, do you have experiences worth documenting? Your power of observation should be top-notch.”

The LRF Monthly Reading exemplifies the critical role that literature and arts play in influencing cultural narratives and promoting education in society, in addition to being an examination of an artist’s journey and literary production.

These monthly gatherings help the LRF fulfil its objective by shining a light on the relationship between literature, art, and education for an enlightened and diverse audience.

The book reading ended at 6:37 pm as the Foundation’s Administrator, Mary Ogundipe, gave the vote of thanks with an update for the next LRF event, which is the Ibadan school visit to take place on February 7, while mentioning that the next Book Reading would be held on March 3.