The Farafina Trust Creative Writing Workshop that has produced over 200 graduates returns with a new name and sponsor.
A year after its suspension, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s creative writing workshop is back. The training began in 2008 and which has produced several writers that have won prestigious literary prizes couldn’t hold in 2017 because then sponsors, Nigerian Breweries Plc, pulled out.
Many writers that had looked forward to participating were disappointed but Chimamanda, the author of novels including Purple Hibiscus, Half of a Yellow Sun, Americanah and a collection of short stories, The Thing Around Your Neck, had assured them that it would return this year.
True to her word, the training previously known as the Farafina Trust Creative Writing Workshop is back. It will happen this year from November 20 to 30 but under a new name and with a different sponsor, Trace Nigeria, a global multi-platform media and entertainment company that reaches over 200 million listeners and viewers in 160 countries.
Speaking at a media interaction on Monday in Lagos, Chimamanda broke the good news of the workshop’s return. She said, “the workshop, which is currently in its 11th year, will continue to provide me with the opportunity to contribute to the growth of the writing community in Nigeria. It will also serve as a platform for writers to learn from one another and established writers.”
The award-winning author added that the training is now called the Purple Hibiscus Trust Writing Workshop and that applications sent to [email protected], would be received till October 15.
Explaining the involvement of the company known more for entertainment in the creative writing workshop, Managing Director of Venator Partners/Trace Nigeria, Sam Onyemelukwe, said: “We are very pleased to partner with Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie. She is an inspiration to youth in Africa and around the world; and through her art, she not only entertains but challenges stereotypes and kindles conversations that would often otherwise not have been had. This corresponds with the Trace mission to engage and inspire urban and Afro-Caribbean youth through news, entertainment, arts, lifestyle and culture.”
Appraising the impact of the training that has had 10 editions and that has produced award-winning writers including ToluOgunlesi, Ayobami Adebayo, Mai Nasara (Adeleke Adeyemi), Elnathan John, Jowhor Ile and Kelechi Njoku said, “it has gone well, it has grown, people have benefited from it. People are being made to understand that every society needs strong storytellers. I feel very proud of them and what they have done through it.”
Two alumni of the workshop that has graduated over 200 participants, Sheila Chukwulozie and MaziNwonwu, corroborated the creative director, admitting that their time under her tutelage and co-faculty members including poet laureate of Scotland, Jackie Kay, British-Malaysian writer, Tash Aw, and American novelist, Dave Eggers, was very impactful. They shared their experiences about the workshop and how it changed their lives.
Chimamanda, who answered questions from journalists on issues about her and her writings as well as beliefs, called for equality among men and women when asked a question about feminism. She said, “Women and men should have equal opportunities. No one should stop anyone, no matter the sex from being what he/she wants to be. Talents and intelligence cut across gender, so women should be allowed to occupy positions of authority. We should not use religion or biological differences to hold women down.”
Asked when her new book will be out, she said “I don’t know exactly. What I can say is watch out.”
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