Black Classicism - Moving Forward

The lecture series Black Classicism- Moving Forward began in September 2020 and is co-sponsored by the Core Curriculum, the Department of Classical Studies, and the African American and Black Diaspora Studies Program. This lecture series is designed to engage with and critique the ancient world from the perspective of Black authors, artists, and thinkers.

Lectures are open to faculty, graduate, and undergraduate students and draw attendees from throughout New England. About one lecture is held each semester. If you wish to be put on the mailing list or if you have further questions, please contact us at classics@bu.edu or 617-353-2427. Our theme for 2025-2026 is “Black Classicisms in and out of Africa””

This year’s speakers include:

Femi Osofisan, (Distinguished Professor of Theatre Arts, Kwara State University, Nigeria)
Monday, November 17, 5:00pm, (Virtual Zoom Lecture)
Title: Greek Tragedy in Yorubaland: A Conversation with Femi Osofisan
Register Here

Description: Join us for an evening of conversation with acclaimed playwright, poet, and scholar Femi Osofisan, Distinguished Professor of Theatre Arts at Kwara State University, Nigeria. Professor Osofisan has published more than sixty plays as well as a number of novellas and poetry collections, and is the first African to receive the Thalia Prize, which was awarded to him in 2016 by the International Association of Theatre Critics. He will be speaking with us about two of his plays: Women of Owu, a 2006 adaptation of Euripides’ Trojan Women, and Medaaye: An African Re-Reading of Euripides’ Medea, from 2022. Both plays are available in the Core Office; please email Brian Walsh (bgwalsh@bu.edu) or Rebecca Moorman (moorman@bu.edu) for more information.

Past Presenters:

Picture credit: milestonerome.com