ON TOUR CREATIVE ARTISTS FROM SPANISH-SPEAKING AFRICA Hofstra is delighted to host two exciting young artists – a writer, and a painter – from the nation of Equatorial Guinea, where Spanish is the official language. The two artists are on a prestigious tour that will take them from Florida to Minnesota, from DC to LA; we are honored that Hofstra will host them in New York. Please join us for this unique opportunity to hear some of the most dynamic creative talents in the African continent. Co-Hosted by the Department of Romance Languages, the LACS program and the African Studies Program
Brower 101 Monday, 12 September 2011, 4:30-6pm Recaredo Silebo Boturu is a poet, playwright, actor, and theater director from Equatorial Guinea whose work touches on themes of resistance, morality, and agitation within the context of his nation’s folk and oral traditions. As cofounder and director of the theater company, Bocamandja, Silebo Boturu’s work has been shared with audiences in Equatorial Guinea, Europe, and Latin America. His theatre workshops serve as vehicles of expression, voice, and empowerment for many citizens in Equatorial Guinea. Most recently, Bocamandja represented the African continent in a 2010 international street theater festival in Colombia. Silebo Boturu is also a longtime poet and published author. His award-winning writing and cultural commentary has been published in the Afro-Hispanic Review and in both Equatoguinean and Spanish publications. His book of poetry and plays, Luz en la Noche, was published in 2010. Desiderio (Mene) Manresa Bodipo is a fine arts and graphic storyteller from Equatorial Guinea whose creative style blends humor with sharp social and political commentary. Through the use of mediums like themed comics and public art displays and murals, his award-winning work aims to increase the levels of social consciousness in Equatorial Guinea about issues such as HIV/AIDS and malaria. He has created numerous public art displays and murals to promote public awareness about the benefits of using mosquito nets to prevent malaria and the use of condoms to prevent HIV and AIDS. Manresa Bodipo has collaborated on claymation productions that use political satire to highlight the everyday hardships experienced by Equatoguinean citizens at the hands of a government whose corruption and authoritarian policies perpetuate inequality and injustice. Manresa Bodipo’s paintings have been exhibited numerous times at the Spanish Cultural Center in Equatorial Guinea.