News & Opinion

Featured news about and from Ben Okri - Award winning poet, novelist, essayist, short story writer, anthologist, aphorist, and playwright.

These will be activities in which he is taking part, poetry readings, art exhibitions, film screenings, theatre productions, political events, and the various aspects of his activism. Any news items deemed worthwhile to share, will also be shown on these pages.

This Christmas, the FT commissioned Ben Okri to write ‘The Songbird’s Silence’ for the FT and Zoological Society of London

Tuesday 7 January 2020

This Christmas, the FT commissioned Booker Prize winner Ben Okri to write a children’s story. ‘The Songbird’s Silence’ is based on the very real issue of deforestation and is part of the FT Appeal for conservation charity the Zoological Society of London

Ben Okri’s collaborates with painter Rosemary Clunie at The Royal Overseas League

Wednesday 13 March 2019

The exhibition looks at the link between Literature and Art with a focus on how the book “The Magic Lamp: Dreams of our Age” is a wonderful and creative collaboration between Art and Literature.

Ben Okri In Guardian Today

Friday 8 March 2019

The author on his mother’s storytelling, cheering up with Oscar Wilde and why he always finishes books

Ben Okri’s poetic collaboration with Grace Wales Bonner opens at The Serpentine

Saturday 2 February 2019

Wales Bonner asked Okri to write a series of texts for the gallery’s walls, and she was very relieved when he said yes: “It’s given me a real confidence, that such important people have trusted me.” Okri’s consent might have surprised her, but it probably didn’t come as a shock to those around her. She’s remarkably focused and determined.

Ben Okri publishes new novel, The Freedom Artist.

Friday 1 February 2019

‘Ben Okri’s most significant novel since his Man Booker Prize-winning masterpiece The Famished Road, The Freedom Artist weaves together ancient myth and modern politics for an impassioned story primed for the post-truth age. A story of love and loss, fiercely told and impossible to ignore’ Waterstones, ‘The Best Books to Look Out For in 2019’.

Ben Okri Graham Norton BBC Radio 2

Sunday 20 January 2019

Joining Graham this week is the record producer Trevor Horn chatting about his new 80s inspired retro album, poet and author Ben Okri discussing his new novel The Freedom Artist, and chef James Martin on his new TV series and book. Plus there’s Grill Graham with Maria McErlane. BBC Website

Ben Okri in Jaipur Literature Festival 2019

Sunday 13 January 2019

In a conversation with Firstpost at the Zee Jaipur Literature Festival 2019, Man Booker Prize-winning novelist and poet Ben Okri spoke about his latest novel The Freedom Artist; the need to fight for justice in society, and the collaborative relationships within the writing community.

The Outsider, adapted by Ben Okri wins The Offies Award for best theatre Production

Thursday 13 December 2018

Stars from theatre and television world, critics and theatre lovers gathered on Sun 3 February in the beautiful newly-renovated Grand Hall at Battersea Arts Centre to celebrate the 9th Off West End Theatre Awards, the Offies. With OFFIES director Geoffrey Brown presiding over the ceremony, the awards were presented by theatre luminaries including critic Lyn…

Ben Okri at the Edinburgh Festival. August 2018

Monday 13 August 2018

Which came first, the image or the word? It’s hard to tell in The Magic Lamp, Ben Okri’s collaboration with painter Rosemary Clunie. Subtitled Dreams of Our Age, it’s a collection of twenty-five enchanting, haunting stories, each accompanied by a dreamlike painting.

Grenfell Tower 2017 – A Poem by Ben Okri

Friday 16 February 2018

‘Grenfell Tower, June, 2017’ is a poem written by Nigerian writer Ben Okri. To raise funds for relatives of victims of the Grenfel Tower fire, and for survivors.