Veteran playwright, researcher, and translator Joseph Abuk has died at the age of 83 in Juba after a short illness. Abuk was a pioneer of modern theatre in South Sudan, contributing to the country's cultural and artistic development from the 1970s. His family confirmed his passing on Sunday. Abuk was credited with co-writing South Sudan's national anthem and translating William Shakespeare's play Cymbeline into Juba Arabic.
Abuk was born in 1943 in Tali, Terekeka County, Central Equatoria state. He dedicated his life to preserving traditional heritage, promoting cultural identity, and using theatre to promote peace, reconciliation, and social dialogue. According to the Derik Cultural Festival, Abuk's creative works and contributions would remain part of South Sudan's cultural memory. His death is considered a major loss to the country's cultural and artistic community.
One of Abuk's major achievements was translating and adapting William Shakespeare's Cymbeline into Juba Arabic. The play was performed at Shakespeare's Globe Theatre in London in 2012 by a cast from different ethnic communities in South Sudan. The production showcased South Sudan's language and cultural diversity to an international audience and demonstrated how theatre can bring people together.
Abuk played a significant role in establishing the Skylark Theatre Group in 1978 and participated in theatrical activities at the Nyakuron Cultural Centre. He later held a leadership role in the South Sudan Theatre Organisation. Abuk's contributions to theatre and cultural preservation influenced generations of South Sudanese artists, leaving behind a legacy of storytelling and cultural preservation.
Beyond his work in theatre, Abuk contributed to the writing of South Sudan's national anthem and collected oral traditions and folktales to help preserve the country's cultural heritage. His participation in the 2022 edition of the Derik Cultural Festival, where he presented his play Extreme Poverty, is also notable.
The Derik Cultural Festival described Abuk's death as a significant loss, highlighting the impact of his creative works on South Sudan's cultural memory. Abuk's influence on South Sudanese artists and his role in promoting cultural identity and peace through theatre are widely acknowledged. His legacy continues to inspire new generations of artists and cultural enthusiasts.
Abuk's passing marks the end of an era for South Sudan's cultural and artistic community. His contributions to the country's cultural heritage, through his work in theatre, translation, and cultural preservation, will be remembered for years to come.
Key points
- Joseph Abuk co-wrote South Sudan's national anthem and translated Shakespeare's Cymbeline into Juba Arabic.
- Abuk was a pioneer of modern theatre in South Sudan and contributed to the country's cultural and artistic development from the 1970s.
- Abuk's death is considered a major loss to South Sudan's cultural and artistic community.
