The discussion on the relationship between poetry and politics, and the role of utopia as a catalyst for political action, took center stage in a debate organized on Saturday as part of the second edition of the Marrakech African Book Festival (FLAM).
Featuring insights from Mozambican writer and poet Mia Couto, Angolan Portuguese-language journalist, writer, and publisher José Eduardo Agualusa, and Moroccan poet, writer, and translator Abdelatif LaSbi, this gathering provided an ideal platform to underscore the significance of collective dreaming, the relevance of contemporary utopias, and the profound impact of poetry in anti-colonial struggles.
Abdelatif LaSbi remarked that this event presented a significant opportunity to champion the literary world and the endeavors of writers and poets, highlighting the existence of various sub-continents within the Continent that remain unfamiliar to many.
José Eduardo Agualusa emphasized the indispensable nature of poetry, asserting that major political movements h
ave often been preceded by influential literary movements. He stressed the necessity for people to collectively envision a brighter future to realize it, citing the late Mário Coelho Pinto de Andrade as an exemplar of political activism and utopian ideals, whose legacy resonates even in Morocco.
Navigating the intersection between politics and poetry, the role of utopia was characterized by Laabi as a potent force capable of fostering widespread political consciousness. Advocating for a blend of pessimism in reason and optimism in willpower, he examined various utopian models, including those specific to the Maghreb and Africa, which fueled the liberation struggles against colonial oppression.
Mia Couto shared her personal journey, recounting her involvement with the Mozambique Liberation Front at a young age, where her poetic talent played a pivotal role. Expressing conviction that fear often drives individuals towards misguided political choices, she emphasized throughout her discourse the vital role of d
reams and utopia in shaping a better tomorrow.
Source: Agency Morocaine De Presse