Tsegaye Gabre-Medhin biography hits bookstores

The Ethiopian poet and playwright Tsegaye Gabre-Medhin’s biography hit bookstores last week, according to Tsehai Publishers.
The new book, called “Soaring on Winged Verse,” was based on interviews that author Fasil Yitbarek has held with Tsegaye, family members, friends, colleagues, the publishing company said in a press statement.
The 244-page book, priced $24.95, chronicles the life of one of Ethiopia’s most remarkable authors, tracing Tsegaye’s days from his Boda village to his rise as luminary figure.
“This book gives readers the most complete look into the life and prolific career of Tsegaye, a playwright and author of influential poetry in both Amharic and English,” the press statement reads.
“Beyond providing a biographical account of the events that shaped the poet’s life, Soaring on Winged Verse serves as an intimate window into the writer’s world and provides readers a glimpse into his creative musings and to his remarkable journey as a writer, traveler, and advocate for his home country.”
The biographer, currently professor of English at Qatar University in Doha, has published an English novel, The Texture of Dreams in 2005. “In Soaring on Winged Verse, readers will encounter a story that goes beyond mere facts to encompass the inspiration of Tsegaye’s remarkable and dynamic life,” the publisher said.

Tsegay’s historical plays published

Four historical plays of the acclaimed playwright and poet Tsegaye Gabre-Medhin were published in book form. Prepared and edited by Dr. Heran Serke-Berhan, and published by the Addis Ababa University Press, the book was launched at the Addis Ababa’s National Theatre on Monday in an occasion to mark Tsegaye’s 75th birthday anniversary. Poet, dramatist, translator, anthropologist, activist and social critic, Tsegaye is regarded by many as a major figure in Ethiopian letters. His plays, Tewdros, Petros yachin Seat (Petros at the Hour), Zeray Be Rome Adebabay (Zeray in Rome Square), though never published, are among the foremost representative of country’s drama.