Famous Nigerian playwright Wole Oguntokun dies at age 57 | Headline News

Wole Oguntokun, a prominent Nigerian playwright, producer, director and cultural advocate, has passed away. He was 57 years old.

Oguntokun died in Canada on Wednesday, but details of his death are sketchy.

Before relocating to Canada, he organized the annual “Soyinka Season,” now in its ninth season.

Terra Culture in Lagos hosts seasonal plays by Nobel Prize winner Professor Wole Soyinka.

His work has been internationally recognized for its depth and cultural significance, resonating with audiences around the world.

He was also a fellow of many international theater organizations.

Oguntokun not only won multiple awards, but also featured Soyinka's works such as The Kongi Harvest, The Mad Men and the Specialists, The Lion and the Jewel, The Swamp Dweller, Death and the King's Horseman, The Strong Breed,” “Child International,” “Camwood on the Leaves,” “The Jello Plays,” Osofisan’s “Morounded to Done,” “Once Upon for Robbers,” and “The Engagement.” The Inspector and the Hero, Professor Ola Rotimi's The Gods Are Not Blamed, Zulu Sofola's King Emene, Wedlock, Of the Gods, Wizard of Law, and Athol. – Fugard's “Sizwe Banji is Dead.''

Characterized by moving storytelling and sharp wit, his plays have been performed in various countries, bringing Nigerian stories to a wider audience.

Oguntokun was trained as a lawyer at Obafemi Awolowo University and the University of Lagos, but was known as an exemplary playwright and director who showed great passion for and popularized theater.

He was known not only for his incisive plays that often addressed pressing social issues, but also as a producer and director.

Source: guardian.ng