Date and Time: 24 November 2026, 3:00-4:30 PM (UTC / GMT)

This online panel discussion, organised as part of Timeless Memories: Elastic Effects of Wole Soyinka VIII, marks the 40th anniversary of Wole Soyinka’s 1986 Nobel Prize in Literature through the lens of archives, research, and posterity.

Hosted by the Section on Archives of Literature and Art (SLA), the conversation will bring together archivists, researchers, and institutions holding materials relating to Nigerian writer, playwright, and poet, Wole Soyinka, his literary career, and the 1986 Nobel Prize.

The Timeless Memories: Elastic Effects of Wole Soyinka project was established eight years ago by SLA Executive Member, Oludàmọ́lá Adebowale, with the primary objective of critically examining the literary, intellectual and cultural contributions of Professor Wole Soyinka. Through an interdisciplinary approach to public history and cultural interpretation, the initiative seeks to transform archival materials into immersive exhibitions, illustrated publications and documentary films, thereby making Soyinka’s intellectual and creative legacy more accessible to diverse audiences.

The theme for this year’s edition is “Ake to Stockholm,” marking the 40th anniversary of Professor Soyinka’s Nobel Prize in Literature.

Chaired by SLA Executive Member Oludàmọ́lá Adebowale, the discussion includes the following speakers:

• Jahman O. Anikulapo, Programme Chairman of the Committee for Relevant Art and Executive Director of Culture Advocates Caucus
  
• Osagie Enabulele, Principal, Iyuma Development
  
• Sarah Prescott, Literary Archivist, Cultural Collections & Galleries, Leeds University Library
  
• David Sutton, Senior Research Fellow, University of Reading
  
• Matthew Wittmann, Interim Lead Curator & Curator of the Harvard Theatre Collection, Houghton Library, Harvard University

The conversation will explore how archival materials shape our understanding of Soyinka’s life and work, the significance of the Nobel Prize, and the responsibility of preserving these records for future generations.

To attend this free even online, please register to receive a link to join.