The Lagos International Theatre Festival (LITF) is set to make its highly anticipated debut in November 2024, bringing together a diverse array of creative minds from across the globe for an unparalleled celebration of theatre.
Organized by the esteemed Bolanle Austen-Peters in collaboration with the Lagos State Government, this inaugural edition of LITF aims to cultivate a vibrant theatre community, promote artistic excellence, and contribute to the growth and sustainability of Nigeria’s creative industries.
Bolanle Austen-Peters, a prominent theatre director, producer, and award-winning filmmaker, emphasized the importance of fostering platforms for artistic expression, stating, “Nigeria is home to an abundance of untapped creative potential. We must create opportunities for our creatives to share their stories and showcase their crafts with the world. This is the vision behind the Lagos International Theatre Festival.”
The festival will take place from November 15 to 17, 2024, across four iconic Lagos venues: The National Theatre, Terra Kulture, Muson Centre, and John Randle Centre. These venues will host a range of performances, including musicals, skits, and repertory theatre, highlighting the depth and richness of African storytelling traditions.
The Lagos State Government is proud to be a leading sponsor of LITF, underscoring its commitment to supporting the arts and cultural heritage. Mrs. Toke Benson-Awoyinka, the Honourable Commissioner for Tourism, Arts, and Culture, remarked, “This festival showcases the remarkable talent and artistic spirit that make Lagos unique. It also fosters unity, as theatre has the power to inspire, challenge, and connect us all.”
First Bank of Nigeria, as the festival’s lead sponsor, further reinforces its dedication to the arts through its First@Arts Initiative. Folake Ani-Mumuney, Group Head of Marketing & Corporate Communications at First Bank, shared, “We are excited to support LITF, as it plays an important role in empowering the creative sector and nurturing the next generation of Nigerian talent.”
The Lagos International Theatre Festival will be a gathering of artistic innovation, with performances from both Nigerian and international artists. The festival’s advisory and governing boards feature distinguished figures including Joke Silva, Femi Elufowoju Jr., Chioma Ude, Jahman Anikulapo, Israel Eboh, Samuel Perry, Kehinde Bankole, Osas Ighodaro, John Momoh, Karl Toriola, Yemi Idowu, Ron Kunene, Ladi Chinede, Donald Duke, and Yewande Zaccheus, ensuring a world-class experience for audiences.
In addition to its performances, LITF will offer workshops, masterclasses, and panel discussions led by industry professionals, providing invaluable opportunities for emerging artists to learn from the best. Attendees can also explore a vibrant marketplace showcasing theatre-related merchandise.
The Lagos International Theatre Festival 2024 promises an unforgettable experience for theatre enthusiasts, performers, and culture lovers, and is set to stimulate Lagos’s local economy, create employment opportunities, and drive growth in the creative industries.
