French author Marguerite Abouet will present a series of comic strips portraying her youth in Abidjan in Johannesburg this weekend.
Her comic stories deal with two young protagonists, Aya and Akiss, and they have a personal undertone given the fact that they deal with life in the vibrant suburb of Yopougon in which Abouet grew up. Her first narrative for the comic strip Aya de Yopougon was published in 2005 and propelled her to success. In her work beautiful illustration is used to tell unpretentious, humorous stories that show an Africa spirited, hopeful and resilient. The comics are illustrated by Clément Oubrerie. Join Abouet in discussion.
Shikiska Bar (ex Horror Café), Miriam Makeba Street, Newtown, on May 17 at 7pm. There is safe parking in front of Shikiska
Bar and snacks will be served after the encounter.
Boekehuis, arguably Jo’burg’s most interesting bookshop and coffee shop, presents its regular literary discussion about the hottest books off the press. This weekend join writer and publisher Mothobi Mutloatse and author Dan Magaziner as they discuss Black Consciousness in South Africa.
The discussion will address the issue of how the idea of black consciousness developed into a political resistance movement and its relevance today. Magaziner is author of the book, The Law and the Prophets, a history of the resistance movement in South Africa between 1968 and 1977 (Jacana media). It follows the formation, early trials and ultimate dissolution of the Black Consciousness movement. Magaziner is an assistant professor of history at Cornell University and Mutloatse is a writer and publisher who, decades ago, established the ground-breaking Skotaville Publishers.
Boekehuis Bookshop, Corner of Lothbury and Fawley streets, Auckland Park, on May 14 at 12pm. Tel: 011 482 3609.