Initially published in 1972, ‘The Man Died’, a collection of Nobel Laureate Winner, Professor Akinwande Oluwole “Wole” Babatunde Soyinka’s prison experience is set to be released as a movie in July 2024, 42 years later.
The release will coincide with Soyinka’s 90th birthday.
Produced by Prof. Awam Amkpa mostly in the historical city of Ibadan, Oyo State from the stable of Zik Zulu Film, the principal cast of the movie includes British-Nigerian actor, Wale Ojo, Sam Dede, Nobert Young, amongst others.
‘The Man Died’ is Professor Wole Soyinka’s recount of his arrest and 22-month imprisonment during the Nigerian Civil War, and the release of this feature film coincides with his 90th birthday anniversary.
A trailer has been released and it captures the complicated yet detailed parts of the narrative that form an account of the story which will make an enchanting cinematic experience for the global community.
Speaking, Wale Ojo, who was cast in the lead, said, playing Wole Soyinka in the ‘The Man Died’ is one of the high points of his acting career till date.
Wole Soyinka’s memoir, *The Man Died*, diverges from traditional narrative forms, providing a reflective account of his internal dialogue during his imprisonment. This innovative storytelling method offers a distinctive perspective on Soyinka’s experiences.
Notably, EbonyLife adapted his 1975 play, *Death and the King’s Horseman*, into the 2022 Netflix film *Elesin Oba, The King’s Horseman*, featuring actors Odunlade Adekola, Deyemi Okanlawon, Omowunmi Dada, Shaffy Bello, and Jude Kosoko.
Wole Soyinka’s literary legacy features prominent works like *The Lion and the Jewel* (1959), *The Trials of Brother Jero* (1960), *Kongi’s Harvest* (1967), and *Aké: The Years of Childhood* (1981). Alongside his plays and memoirs, Soyinka has authored novels such as *The Interpreters* (1965) and *Season of Anomy* (1973). His latest novel, *Chronicles From The Land of the Happiest People On Earth* (2021), represents a notable addition to his oeuvre.
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